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New applications of photogrammetry and reflectance transformation imaging to an Easter Island statue

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 April 2015

James Miles ,
Mike Pitts ,
Hembo Pagi  and
Graeme Earl
James Miles
Affiliation:
Archaeological Computing Research Group, Department of Archaeology, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BF, UK (Email: james.miles@soton.ac.uk; h.pagi@soton.ac.uk)
Mike Pitts
Affiliation:
Marlborough, Wiltshire, UK (Email: mike@diggingdeeper.co.uk)
Hembo Pagi
Affiliation:
Archaeological Computing Research Group, Department of Archaeology, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BF, UK (Email: james.miles@soton.ac.uk; h.pagi@soton.ac.uk)
Graeme Earl
Affiliation:
Faculty of Humanities, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BF, UK (Email: graeme.earl@soton.ac.uk)
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Abstract

New methods of visualisation offer the potential for a more detailed record of archaeological objects and the ability to create virtual 3D models that can be made widely available online. Here, two different techniques are applied to the impressive Easter Island statue on display in the Wellcome Gallery at the British Museum. Of particular importance are the details revealed of the petroglyphs that decorate its surface.

Keywords

Easter IslandBritish MuseumHoa Hakananai'aphotogrammetryreflectance transformation imagingbirdman ceremony

Information

Type
Method
Information
Antiquity , Volume 88 , Issue 340 , 01 June 2014 , pp. 596 - 605
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd. 2014 

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