Interdisciplinary Documentation and Visualisation

This volume covers new methods in the research of pottery. For years this archaeological branch has established conventional methods of presentation and visualization. However, the consortium of 19 authors, coming from various fields - archaeologists, conservators, computer scientists, physicists, chemists - tries to promote some new methods based on natural sciences and computer sciences. Their aim is an essential improvement of pottery research especially through the easier and more accurate gathering of data on material and shapes, without sampling. Typically further issues are comprehensive documentation, verifiability and, as far as possible, exhaustive data on the condition of an object. The detailed documentation of an object introduces the beginning of each research project. The first step is the profile drawing of the shape. The authors discuss the acquisition of 3d-models of vessels using 3d-scanners and computer tomography scanners. Applying these methods the shape of a vessel can be documented in total (especially the CT method offers an opportunity to document the inner profile of a vessel and even the texture of the clay). This data may subsequently offer valuable clues to the production process and in thus to the provenience. Besides, both methods are most helpful for conservators to distinguish ancient (original) and recent parts (repairs) of a vessel. The authors also discuss some further measuring methods which neither have any affection on the object nor cause any damage: analyses with infrared and ultraviolet light, stereomicroscopy and spectrometry. The Institute of Archaeology of the Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, the Universalmuseum Joanneum and a private collector in Vienna granted access to some of their vases which are used exemplarily for the application of the various methods already mentioned. Conclusions and results are described by descriptive texts and numerous pictures as well as by tables and graphs. All presented methods for documentation and visualization are not only applicable in basic research. They could be useful in many ways, e. g. in exhibitions, museums and teachings at all levels.