Multi-approach study, digitization and dissemination of a Bronze-Age engraved cup found in Filo Braccio, Filicudi (Aeolian Islands, Italy)

Dario Giuffrida; Maria Clara  Martinelli; Francesco Armetta; Maria Luisa  Saladino; Rosina Celeste  Ponterio

doi:10.4995/var.2024.20978

Authors

Dario Giuffrida National Research Council https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9009-6784
Maria Clara Martinelli Parco Archeologico delle Isole Eolie
Francesco Armetta National Research Council
Maria Luisa Saladino National Research Council https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7481-8556
Rosina Celeste Ponterio National Research Council https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8576-7339

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4995/var.2024.20978

Keywords:

digital archaeology, combined methodologies, heritage documentation, 3D reconstruction, near-infrared (NIR) imaging

Abstract

Highlights:

A multi-approach methodology was used for a thorough examination of a prehistoric cup decorated with engravings, found at the Bronze Age settlement of Filo Braccio in Filicudi Island (Messina).
Photogrammetry and near-infrared (NIR) imaging were combined to create a metrically correct digital replica (with switchable texture); 3D and 2D views were exported to study the vessel’s morphology and decorations.
To enrich the visiting experience, the 3D model was integrated into a web-based viewer, and enriched with informative annotation, making it easily accessible through mobile devices and computers.

Abstract:

This paper presents a multidisciplinary study combining photogrammetry, near-infrared (NIR) imaging and archaeological analysis to analyse a 1900-1800 BC engraved cup, found at the Bronze Age site of Filo Braccio in Filicudi, Aeolian Islands, Italy. The artefact is unique within the contemporary ‘Capo Graziano’ culture, featuring a rare complex figural scene engraved along the exterior walls; the “scene” provides insights into the prehistoric culture of Filicudi and the Aeolian Islands. The study focused on generating an accurate three-dimensional (3D) model to i) support archaeological research on the artefact's engravings and ii) create engaging digital media for remote and on-site visitors. Photogrammetry used high-resolution photographs taken around the object and control points for metric accuracy assessment. This study also utilises NIR and visible light imaging to examine the engraved cup. The photogrammetric workflow provided a realistic 3D model textured with both visible and NIR data: the 3D model enabled to improve the reading of the engraved scene, revealing horizontal registers of figures, while NIR imaging highlighted material inhomogeneity. The resulting 3D model achieved a high level of detail, with 4381407 faces and a root mean square (RMS) reprojection error of approximately 3.9 μm. The NIR imaging revealed additional surface details not visible in the standard photographs. For dissemination, the optimised 3D model was uploaded to Sketchfab with informative annotations, enabling remote study and cultural promotion of the artefact. This multi-approach methodology offers a valuable tool for comprehensive artefact documentation and analysis, providing new insights into the artefact's complex figural scene.

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Author Biographies

Dario Giuffrida, National Research Council

Archaeologist with PhD in Historical, Archaeological and Philological Sciences and postgraduate Specialization. Currently junior researcher at National Research Council - IPCF Messina. Co-author of about 30 publications about: archaeometry, digital archaeology, Raman spectroscopy, GIS, 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry, multispectral imaging, ancient topography. Since 2014, member of the 'Skotoussa-Project', academic program of archaeological researches in Thessaly, Grece. More info at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dario-giuffrida1990/.

Maria Clara Martinelli, Parco Archeologico delle Isole Eolie

Archaeologist official of the Sicilian Region (Archeological Park of Aeolian Islands and Lipari Museum), qualified as Associate Professor in archaeology. Author or coauthor of over 140 publications. Field of interest: dynamics of the population of the Aeolian Islands and the Mediterranean during prehistory and protohistory.

Francesco Armetta, National Research Council

He is graduated in chemistry in 2013 and got a Ph.D. with a thesis in Materials Engineering. He was also a research grant holder at Centro Nazionale delle Ricerche and performed six months of Advanced Training at the ISIS neutron spallation source of the Science and Technology Facilities Council in the United Kingdom. Since 2019 he is a Researcher at the STEBICEF Department of the University of Palermo. His interest has focused on preparing and characterizing luminescent nanomaterials and composites by developing new and standard synthetic routes with tailored performances for high efficiency and low-cost production. He is also interested in the chemical study of objects of historical and cultural interest, as well as the application of statistical tools and machine learning algorithms for analyzing chemical data from large collections.

Maria Luisa Saladino, National Research Council

Associate Professor in Physical Chemistry at STEBICEF Department of University of Palermo (Italy). Field of Interest: developing of sustainable 1) and innovative materials and 2) procedures for the investigation of artefacts by using non-invasive and multianalytical approaches. Co-author of over 160 publications (HIndex 27). Co-inventor of the patent 102016000029804-IT. More info at https://www.unipa.it/persone/docenti/s/marialuisa.saladino.

Rosina Celeste Ponterio, National Research Council

Physicist and researcher at the CNR-IPCF. The research of Dr. Ponterio focuses on the various application vibrational spectroscopy, in particular Raman spectroscopy (SERS, Raman, Ft-Raman) and most in general on laser-based techniques in the field of materials science, archaeometry and design of sustainable methods in cultural heritage. She is co-author of over 120 publications in peer review international journals and P.I. in several national and international multidisciplinary research projects.

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