KANTHAROS - FROM A BURIED FRAGMENT TO THE VIRTUAL ARTEFACT

Object of the case study (CS) is a fragmentary clay vessel, a Kantharos (drinking cup), which was unearthed during the excavations at the ancient settlement of Karabournaki (ancient Therme) in the area of Thessaloniki (Greece). The CS regards the visualization of the vase while at the same time it is a typical case of a fragmentary clay vase that offers challenges in terms of its visualisation and reconstruction.

The vase dates in the Archaic period (7th-6th c. B.C.) and although the shape of Kantharos is widespread in ancient Greece, the specific example is unique in terms of its decoration and for not fitting sufficiently into any of the known workshops so far. Regarding the decoration, it has four (4) added snakes (made by separate piece of clay) on the upper part body of the vase. Kantharos is the vase of Dionysos and a typical drinking vase for symposion (social gatherings with food and drink). The decoration points to a ritual vessel that contributes to the knowledge of the life in this area. Its fragmentary condition is challenging also in its completion.

The visualisation of the Kantharos in the form of a 3D model will contribute to the better study and presentation of the vase. It will be based on certain research questions. For the 3D digitisation of the artefact will be employed image based 3D reconstruction methodologies (Structure-From-Motion (SFM) and Dense Multi-View 3D Reconstruction (DMVR) methods). An evaluation will follow the creation of the 3D model in order to check the results for benefit of both cultural heritage and technological sector.

Objective of the case study is to benefit scholars and general public. It will contribute to certain COSCH aims and the final product it may serve as a guide for similar archaeological issues. The visualisation of the Kantharos aims to a better understanding and communication of the cultural heritage.

 

Case Study Final Report: PDF report, PDF Appendix

Recommendation for solution providers as well as end users (PT6): PDF

The project was led by

Dr Despoina Tsiafaki, Director of Research, "Athena": Research & Innovation Center in Information, Communication & Knowledge Technologies (Archaeologist & co-Director of the Karabournaki excavation), Xanthi, Greece

Collaborators:

• Dr George Pavlidis, Director of Research, "Athena": Research & Innovation Center in Information, Communication & Knowledge Technologies (2D/3D imaging), Xanthi, Greece
• Dr Anestis Koutsoudis, Associate Research Fellow, "Athena": Research & Innovation Center in Information, Communication & Knowledge Technologies (3D expert), Xanthi, Greece
• Fotis Arnaoutoglou, Scientific Associate, "Athena": Research & Innovation Center in Information, Communication & Knowledge Technologies (3D expert), Xanthi, Greece
• Anastasia Michailidou MA, Museologist, Scientific Associate, "Athena": Research & Innovation Center in Information, Communication & Knowledge Technologies (Museologist), Xanthi, Greece
• J. Ignacio Murillo, Urbe pro Orbe Patrimonio Cultural (Archaeology, Cult Heritage  graphical documentation), Madrid, Spain

Members of the COSCH community coming from different disciplines & institutes will contribute to the evaluation of the 3D model in order to get a global input (Conservation, Cultural Heritage, 3D, Technology).