Journal Description
Heritage
Heritage
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal of cultural and natural heritage science published monthly by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q1 (Conservation)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 16.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
1.7 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
1.6 (2022)
Latest Articles
Conservation and In Situ Enhancement of Earthen Architecture in Archaeological Sites: Social and Anthropic Risks in the Case Studies of the Iberian Peninsula
Heritage 2024, 7(5), 2239-2264; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7050106 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Archaeological sites constitute one of the main tourist attractions in the heritage offerings of most populations. Their ability to convey the ways of life and construction techniques of past societies through physical remains positions them as a culturally significant alternative for visitors. However,
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Archaeological sites constitute one of the main tourist attractions in the heritage offerings of most populations. Their ability to convey the ways of life and construction techniques of past societies through physical remains positions them as a culturally significant alternative for visitors. However, their physical conservation, essential for efficiently ensuring information with precision, poses a serious challenge for the various professionals involved, as numerous social and anthropic risks threaten long-term preservation for the enjoyment of future generations. Of all traditional building materials, earth is undoubtedly one of the most fragile and sensitive to loss in the absence of the original protection systems, so that a precise assessment of its threats is essential to minimizing the destruction of these non-renewable assets. The objective of this study is to evaluate the most determining human risk factors within the territorial scope of the Iberian Peninsula, including aspects such as its musealization, suitable interpretation, visit planning, agricultural land use, vandalism and rural depopulation. This is achieved through a literature review and on-site data collection from 85 archaeological sites, as well as the development of an analysis tool to assess the degree of vulnerability, aiming to develop prevention measures.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)
Open AccessArticle
An Archaeometric Study of Lead-Glazed Medieval Ceramics (13th–14th Century) from Santarém, Portugal
by
L. F. Vieira Ferreira, T. M. Casimiro, C. Boavida, M. F. C. Pereira and I. Ferreira Machado
Heritage 2024, 7(5), 2217-2238; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7050105 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Ceramic sherds from approximately 20 samples of lead-glazed tableware, recovered from diverse archaeological sites, including three repurposed storage pits transformed into dumpsters within the medieval city of Santarém (13th–14th century), underwent a meticulous examination. This investigation utilised techniques such as micro-Raman, ground-state diffuse
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Ceramic sherds from approximately 20 samples of lead-glazed tableware, recovered from diverse archaeological sites, including three repurposed storage pits transformed into dumpsters within the medieval city of Santarém (13th–14th century), underwent a meticulous examination. This investigation utilised techniques such as micro-Raman, ground-state diffuse reflectance absorption, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopies, in addition to X-ray diffraction and stereomicroscopy. A parallel study was conducted on contemporaneous European ceramics (glazed sherds) sourced from archaeological sites dating back to the 13th–15th centuries in Saintonge (France), Ardenne, Zomergem, and Bruges (Belgium), as well as Surrey–Hampshire, Kingston, and Cheam (England). The first premise for comparing the Santarem samples with European production locations was their frequent commercial relations with Portugal and the frequency of these productions being found in Portugal. The colour of the ceramic bodies is predominantly white or whitish, with a few exhibiting a vivid red hue. Analyses of the fabric, mineralogical, and elemental composition of the sherds suggest that the majority of Santarém’s glazed ceramics were locally or regionally produced, potentially derived from a Pliocene kaolin-rich sand formation. However, this conclusion is not supported by the absence of discovered lead glaze kilns or workshops in Santarém for the late Middle Ages.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-invasive Technologies Applied in Cultural Heritage)
Open AccessArticle
Tourism Development through the Sense of UNESCO World Heritage: The Case of Hegra, Saudi Arabia
by
Sara Sampieri, Abdellah Saoualih, Larbi Safaa, Fernando Martinez de Carnero Calzada, Marco Ramazzotti and Agustín Martínez-Peláez
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 2195-2216; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040104 - 22 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study explores the perception of a “sense of place” among tourists visiting Hegra, an archaeological site in northern Saudi Arabia, through reviews on TripAdvisor. The 267 reviews on TripAdvisor between 2020 and 2023 were analyzed using the VADER sentiment polarity analysis tool
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This study explores the perception of a “sense of place” among tourists visiting Hegra, an archaeological site in northern Saudi Arabia, through reviews on TripAdvisor. The 267 reviews on TripAdvisor between 2020 and 2023 were analyzed using the VADER sentiment polarity analysis tool and object modeling using the NMF machine learning algorithm. The results highlight positive factors linked to the history and uniqueness of the place while showing some critical issues related to isolation, cost, privatization, and competitiveness. The originality of the research lies in the type of case study chosen, an archaeological site of a country that has recently opened its doors to tourism, and in the pragmatic nature of the investigation, oriented towards the search for possible solutions to be adopted in terms of heritage management based on the feedback received for the development of the tourist destination.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Heritage)
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Three-Dimensional Analysis for the Documentation of the Restoration of an Earthquake-Damaged Triptych
by
Emma Vannini, Irene Lunghi, Emanuela Grifoni, Petra Farioli, Marina Ginanni, Andrea Santacesaria and Raffaella Fontana
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 2176-2194; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040103 - 17 Apr 2024
Abstract
The 3D digital reproduction of panel paintings is an efficient practice through which to document their state of conservation thanks to the ability to study artwork both at the microscopic level, visualising the craquelure and the detachments of pictorial layers, and at the
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The 3D digital reproduction of panel paintings is an efficient practice through which to document their state of conservation thanks to the ability to study artwork both at the microscopic level, visualising the craquelure and the detachments of pictorial layers, and at the macroscopic level, analysing support structures and their deformations. In recent years, research has focused on new methodologies to handle multiple 3D scans acquired over time and to achieve data fusion to obtain multi-resolution products. In this paper, we present the results of the acquisition of the central panel of an earthquake-damaged triptych using two different 3D techniques (close-range photogrammetry and structured light) before and after its restoration to carry out a multi-temporal analysis of the conservation status and document the effects of the restoration. Furthermore, we performed laser scanning micro-profilometry on a small area of the painting to study the artist’s technique and identify previous restorations. Finally, we merged the two 3D datasets (obtained by structured-light projection and micro-profilometry) to produce a multi-resolution 3D model with the aim of increasing the accuracy and readability of the final product.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage at Risk - Perspectives on Technologies, Materials, Modelling and Digitalization)
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Open AccessArticle
Correlation of Visible Reflectance Spectrometry and Portable Raman Data for Red Pigment Identification
by
Anna M. Gueli, Rosaria Galvagno, Adriana Incardona, Eleonora Pappalardo, Giuseppe Politi, Giuseppe Paladini and Giuseppe Stella
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 2161-2175; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040102 - 06 Apr 2024
Abstract
The accurate identification of pigments is of principal relevance in the field of cultural heritage conservation and restoration practices. In this preliminary study, a first attempt to set up a procedure for accurate red pigment identification, based on the assessment of the correlations
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The accurate identification of pigments is of principal relevance in the field of cultural heritage conservation and restoration practices. In this preliminary study, a first attempt to set up a procedure for accurate red pigment identification, based on the assessment of the correlations existing between visible reflectance spectrometry (vis-RS) and Raman data, is presented. The proposed approach involved the realization of a library consisting of data acquired on a set of 35 pure red historical pigments supplied by ©Kremer Pigmente. In particular, vis-RS data, collected through a Konica Minolta CM-2600d spectrophotometer, were registered, together with the position of the Extrema Points (E.P.s) encompassing both the maximum and minimum points of the first derivative of the % spectral reflectance factor (SRF%) curves. Portable Raman spectroscopy measurements were collected by a B&W Tek Inc. portable Raman spectrometer equipped with a 785 nm laser. For each tested pigment, the positions and relative intensities of the characteristic Raman peaks were considered. The library was then tested for the characterization of the red/reddish painted areas of the medieval wall painting located within The Norman Castle of Aci Castello (Catania, Italy), and was shown to be essential for the unambiguous identification of the pigment used. It is worth noting that this study represents the first novel attempt to establish a reliable and efficient methodology for pigment identification, offering promising prospects in reducing uncertainties and ambiguities arising from the application of a single stand-alone approach.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pigment Identification of Cultural Heritage Materials)
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Open AccessArticle
Prehistoric and Early Roman Period Goldwork from Northwestern Iberia: An Analytical Study of Artefacts from the Archaeological and Historical Museum of A Coruña
by
Óscar García-Vuelta and Xosé-Lois Armada
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 2138-2160; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040101 - 06 Apr 2024
Abstract
This article presents the results of a topographical and analytical study using hh-XRF of 22 gold and gilded objects from the Archaeological and Historical Museum of A Coruña (Galicia, Spain). They are highly representative of the northwestern Iberian goldwork from the Chalcolithic (third
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This article presents the results of a topographical and analytical study using hh-XRF of 22 gold and gilded objects from the Archaeological and Historical Museum of A Coruña (Galicia, Spain). They are highly representative of the northwestern Iberian goldwork from the Chalcolithic (third millennium BC) to the early Roman period (first century AD). This study contributes to our knowledge of the production techniques used in those periods, as well as their evolution over time. The collection includes some of the most representative types in this area, such as Early Bronze Age “sheet collars” and torcs from the Second Iron Age. In the case of torcs, new data are provided on one of the formally best-documented types (the Artabrian type) and on those known as “Baroque torcs” that are characteristic of the final moments of this goldsmith tradition. While pieces from the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age were made with alluvial gold, the torcs from the Late Iron Age contain variable amounts of silver and copper. Also detected is the frequent use of cores made of less precious metals, which were subsequently given a golden appearance using gilding techniques. The new data are discussed in light of our current knowledge of NW Iberian goldwork, one of the most representative of this craft tradition in Western Europe for those periods.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Archaeology and Anthropology of the Ancient World)
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Open AccessArticle
X-ray Synchrotron Radiation to Look at Pigments in Antiquities: Overview and Examples
by
Alessandra Gianoncelli, Sebastian Schöder, Jasper R. Plaisier, Maura Fugazzotto, Germana Barone, Alfonsina Russo, Paolo Mazzoleni and Simona Raneri
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 2118-2137; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040100 - 05 Apr 2024
Abstract
The recent upgrading of synchrotron radiation (SR) sources has favored, in the last few years, the construction and design of beamlines optimized for the study of cultural heritage materials, which may require ad hoc setups, specific spatial resolutions, and detection limits. In the
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The recent upgrading of synchrotron radiation (SR) sources has favored, in the last few years, the construction and design of beamlines optimized for the study of cultural heritage materials, which may require ad hoc setups, specific spatial resolutions, and detection limits. In the field of cultural heritage, integrated approaches combining different techniques are often required, even at large facilities, where some beamlines offer the possibility of performing different types of measurements at the same point of analysis, complementing preliminary information usually obtained by conventional laboratory and/or portable in situ methods. An overview of the last ten years of synchrotron applications for the study of pigments is given, with discussion of upstream and downstream challenges to methods and techniques. The possibilities offered by the synchrotron techniques are illustrated by a case study of a particular class of painted ceramics, as an example of different research questions that are solved by a combination of SR-based methods.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Trends and Challenges in the Study of Pigments and Dyes and Their Degradation in Cultural Heritage Objects)
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Open AccessArticle
Emergency Actions for the Documentation, Stabilization, and Consolidation of the Early Bronze Age Fortifications at Khirbat Iskandar, Jordan
by
Marta D’Andrea, Suzanne Richard, Jesse C. Long, Jr. and Franco Sciorilli
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 2088-2117; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040099 - 05 Apr 2024
Abstract
Khirbat Iskandar is an Early Bronze Age (ca. 3800-1950 BCE) mound in the Madaba Governorate of Jordan. Until a decade ago, it was better known as a key site for the non-urban Early Bronze IV period (ca. 2500-1950 BCE), but is increasingly emerging
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Khirbat Iskandar is an Early Bronze Age (ca. 3800-1950 BCE) mound in the Madaba Governorate of Jordan. Until a decade ago, it was better known as a key site for the non-urban Early Bronze IV period (ca. 2500-1950 BCE), but is increasingly emerging as a signature site for the urban Early Bronze II-III period (ca. 3050-2500 BCE). The contour of the tall site is shaped by the presence of buried fortifications that were investigated in the north-western sector of the mound, where a long sequence of rebuilds was recognized, but were exposed to and impacted by modern construction activities along the southern and south-eastern areas prior to being recorded. There, due to erosion and weathering, the stone fortifications dating to the first half of the Early Bronze III (ca. 2850-2650 BCE) fell down. In this paper, we report on our strategies to assess threats, document damages, sustainably stabilize, and consolidate the collapsed ancient fortifications in the 2023 field season at Khirbat Iskandar. At the same time, we discuss the conceptual/methodological and practical challenges of identifying best practices in the conservation and preservation of antiquities that collapsed prior to being excavated. We conclude with some thoughts on how to build on these actions to efficiently present the archaeology and cultural heritage at protohistoric sites, like Khirbat Iskandar, and to make it accessible for the local and the international communities.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Analysis and Preservation Strategies of Architectural Heritage)
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Open AccessArticle
Analysis of the Current Status of Sensors and HBIM Integration: A Review Based on Bibliometric Analysis
by
Renan Rolim, Concepción López-González and María José Viñals
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 2071-2087; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040098 - 03 Apr 2024
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This article presents a bibliometric analysis conducted on the implementation of sensor-extracted data in the context of Historical Building Information Modeling (HBIM) with a focus on the conservation of heritage buildings. The study utilized recognized databases, namely, Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus.
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This article presents a bibliometric analysis conducted on the implementation of sensor-extracted data in the context of Historical Building Information Modeling (HBIM) with a focus on the conservation of heritage buildings. The study utilized recognized databases, namely, Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus. A bibliometric analysis methodology was applied, employing the VOSviewer 1.6.19 software. The results obtained provide a robust overview of the current state and trends in HBIM and sensor research and enabled the identification of emerging trends in the field of preventive conservation. Three promising trends were identified, establishing connections between this field and 4D spatial data management, energy performance, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, relations with climate change were also detected. These trends underscore a significant convergence of technologies and methodologies in the realm of heritage building conservation. The conclusions serve as a valuable contribution to guiding future research in the field of built heritage conservation.
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Open AccessArticle
The Body-Camera Approach: Teacher Identity through Video Elicitation and Video Essay to Create Shared Heritages
by
Ángela Barrera-García and Dolores Álvarez-Rodríguez
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 2055-2070; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040097 - 30 Mar 2024
Abstract
This paper presents an approach to teacher identity heritage as a result of the implementation of a research device created through Arts-Based Research (ABR) methods, specifically with video elicitation and video essays used as research tools. Two main objectives were addressed. The first
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This paper presents an approach to teacher identity heritage as a result of the implementation of a research device created through Arts-Based Research (ABR) methods, specifically with video elicitation and video essays used as research tools. Two main objectives were addressed. The first one was to establish the real relevance of focusing performance on teacher identity. The second one involved testing a new methodological proposal specifically designed for this purpose, but still useful in other contexts where heritage identity is as present as in teaching. The device, a body camera, involves a process that allows new ways to understand the creation of identities using video to encourage the production of new meanings through visual and oral data. The participants were teachers in training during their internship period. Some notions about teachers’ identity heritage were revealed, and also preserved, firstly through personal perspectives by video elicitations, and secondly through collective perspectives by video essays. Both are video structures used in ABR which mix creative experience, memories, life experiences, relationships, and links that shape the teachers’ professional identity.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research in Heritage Education: Transdisciplinary Approaches)
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Proto-Early Renaissance Depictions, Iconographic Analysis and Computerised Facial Similarity Assessment Connections: The 16th Century Mural Paintings of St. Leocadia Church (Chaves, North of Portugal)
by
Eunice Salavessa, José Aranha, Rafael Moreira and David M. Freire-Lista
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 2031-2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040096 - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to analyse facial similarity and apply it to identify the individuals depicted in the mural paintings of the apse of St. Leocadia Church, located in Chaves Municipality (North of Portugal), which were painted during the first quarter
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The aim of this paper is to analyse facial similarity and apply it to identify the individuals depicted in the mural paintings of the apse of St. Leocadia Church, located in Chaves Municipality (North of Portugal), which were painted during the first quarter of the 16th century. This study also compares the portraits of this mural paintings with the oil paintings by the Proto-Renaissance Portuguese painter Nuno Gonçalves. Through this research, the feasibility of face recognition technology is explored to answer many ambiguities about Manueline stylistic identity and iconography. Additionally, it aims to associate historical events, artistic discoveries, and the expansion of portraiture as propaganda of power during the Portuguese Proto-Renaissance and Early Renaissance. On the other hand, it focuses on the prevalence of the religious and devotional over the sacred in Manueline painting. A proposal was made to identify the characters that are fundamental to the meaning of the mural paintings. An experiment was conducted on seven characters from the paintings at St. Leocadia Church, which were then compared to Nuno Gonçalves’ portraits. Facial similarity analysis was conducted on the faces portrayed in the Panels of St. Vincent, a remarkable portrait gallery from 15th-century Portugal, which has been the subject of national and international research for 130 years. Other paintings that were analysed were the oil paintings of St. Peter and St. Paul and of Infanta St. Joana, which were created by the same Quattrocento master. The purpose of the mural paintings of St. Leocadia Church could be catechetical in nature or related to the ritual practices of royal ancestor worship in royal portrait apses of the churches. It could also be associated with the Portuguese maritime expansion and the macro-imperial ideology of D. Manuel I.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue XR and Artificial Intelligence for Heritage)
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Developing Heritage Preservation on Ilha de Moçambique Using a Historic Urban Landscape Approach
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Solange Macamo, Miguel Raimundo, Abigail Moffett and Paul Lane
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 2011-2030; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040095 - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
In 2011, a new approach was introduced into the management of heritage on Ilha de Moçambique by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Known as the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach, this seeks to expand current understanding of the island’s historic urban heritage, recognising
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In 2011, a new approach was introduced into the management of heritage on Ilha de Moçambique by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Known as the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach, this seeks to expand current understanding of the island’s historic urban heritage, recognising that ‘heritage’ is not limited solely to monuments or the built environment. Importantly, HUL incorporates urban sustainable development within the scope of heritage preservation. Given this, the adoption of the HUL approach has the potential to contribute to ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the built heritage, as prescribed by the 1972 UNESCO Convention, of Ilha de Moçambique, and effectively maintaining the Outstanding Universal Values that resulted in the declaration of the island as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. This paper discusses how local communities use the resources and heritage available to them and the central role of commerce, and the marketplace, in the heritage landscape of the island. A critical aspect of this is the sale of antiquities, including archaeological items, to tourists. Perspectives developed within the Rising from the Depths (RftD) network recently supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) UK, with funding from the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), offer positive alternative solutions to overcome this challenging situation. In particular, the network sought to identify how the tangible submerged and coastal Marine Cultural Heritage (MCH) of Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Madagascar, and its associated intangible aspects, can be utilised to stimulate ethical, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth in the region. Our paper demonstrates how the implementation of the RftD initiative when combined with the HUL approach can help to increase awareness among communities on Ilha de Moçambique about the relevance of their heritage and the need for preserving it while meeting everyday needs.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Historic Landscapes, Seascapes and Maritime Heritage)
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Open AccessReview
An Introduction and Recent Advances in the Analytical Study of Early Synthetic Dyes and Organic Pigments in Cultural Heritage
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Diego Tamburini, Francesca Sabatini, Sanne Berbers, Maarten R. van Bommel and Ilaria Degano
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 1969-2010; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040094 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
This article reviews the research recently undertaken to characterise and identify early synthetic dyes (ESDs) and synthetic organic pigments (SOPs) as well as study their degradation pathways with a focus on cultural heritage applications. Since the invention of the first fully synthetic dye
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This article reviews the research recently undertaken to characterise and identify early synthetic dyes (ESDs) and synthetic organic pigments (SOPs) as well as study their degradation pathways with a focus on cultural heritage applications. Since the invention of the first fully synthetic dye in 1856, these materials have been used in a variety of historic objects and artworks, such as textiles, furniture, prints, paintings, drawings, etc. The synthesis of new dyes and their implementation into pigment formulations were rapid phenomena, so that by the beginning of the 20th century, thousands of new molecules were patented and commercialised. This review will focus on these early formulations synthesised up to approximately 1914 and the outbreak of World War I. ESDs and SOPs represent a challenge from an analytical point of view. Molecular databases are fundamental for the unequivocal identification of these compounds, but reference materials are not always readily available. A combination of analytical techniques is often needed for characterisation, especially in the case of SOPs, which have both organic and inorganic components. Furthermore, the degradation of these molecules can jeopardise their detection in historic objects that have been exposed to light, humidity and temperature fluctuations. Nevertheless, ESDs and SOPs are important research tools. As the dates of their first synthesis are often known with precision, based on patent information, their detection can be used to refine the production date of objects. Additionally, their trade from Europe to the world and their adoption in artistic practices around the globe is an active area of research.
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(This article belongs to the Section Cultural Heritage)
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Winds of Change: Urgent Challenges and Emerging Opportunities in Submerged Prehistory, a Perspective from the North Sea
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Vincent Gaffney, Rachel Harding, Simon Fitch, James Walker, Victoria Boothby and Andrew Iain Fraser
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 1947-1968; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040093 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Development of the continental shelf has accelerated significantly as nations around the world seek to harness offshore renewable energy. Many areas marked for development align with submerged palaeolandscapes. Poorly understood and difficult to protect, these vulnerable, prehistoric landscapes provide specific challenges for heritage
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Development of the continental shelf has accelerated significantly as nations around the world seek to harness offshore renewable energy. Many areas marked for development align with submerged palaeolandscapes. Poorly understood and difficult to protect, these vulnerable, prehistoric landscapes provide specific challenges for heritage management. Indeed, there now appears to be a schism between what underwater cultural heritage policy intends and what it is achieving in practice. Shortcomings in international and national legislature ensures that large parts of the continental shelf, including areas under development, may have little or no legal protection. Increasingly impacted by extensive development, these unique cultural landscapes are ever more at risk. However, heritage challenges posed by such development also create opportunities. An immense amount of data is being generated by development, and there is an opportunity to establish broader cooperative relationships involving industrial stakeholders, national curators, government bodies, and heritage professionals. As a matter of urgency, the archaeological community must better engage with the offshore sector and development process. If achieved, we may revolutionise our knowledge of submerged prehistoric settlement and land use. Otherwise, our capacity to reconstruct prehistoric settlement patterns, learn from past climate change, or simply manage what are among the best-preserved postglacial landscapes globally may be irreparably undermined.
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(This article belongs to the Section Archaeological Heritage)
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Open AccessArticle
Identification of Degradation Products and Components in Shellfish Purple by Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry
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Athina Vasileiadou, Ioannis Sampsonidis, Georgios Theodoridis, Anastasia Zotou, Ioannis Karapanagiotis and Stavros Kalogiannis
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 1935-1946; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040092 - 26 Mar 2024
Abstract
Ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze a colorant and silk, which were prepared and dyed using shellfish (Hexaplex trunculus L.) purple. Solutions of colorant and silk extracts were analyzed immediately after preparation (fresh samples)
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Ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze a colorant and silk, which were prepared and dyed using shellfish (Hexaplex trunculus L.) purple. Solutions of colorant and silk extracts were analyzed immediately after preparation (fresh samples) and after storing them in the dark for thirty days (aged sample I). Moreover, a silk sample was subjected to artificially accelerated ageing under UV radiation (aged sample II). The application of the UHPLC-MS/MS method leads to the detection of (i) the major coloring components of shellfish purple, which are indigotin, indirubin, 6-bromoindigotin, 6′-bromoindirubin, 6-bromoindirubin, 6,6′-dibromoindigotin, 6,6′-dibromoindirubin; (ii) four minor indigoid components in shellfish purple (compounds A, B, C and D), which belong to the same structural class as indirubin, and whose identification has been reported only once in the past; and (iii) eight degradation products (isatin, degradation products DP3, DP4, DP5, DP6, DP7, DP9 and DP10). The latter were also detected in stored indigotin solution, except for DP 6, which was used as reference sample. The method development was assisted by a new solution preparation approach for investigating compound fragmentation, using a solvent system compatible with direct infusion ESI. This system replaceddimethyl sulfoxide, which inhibits detection through electrospray ionization.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Trends and Challenges in the Study of Pigments and Dyes and Their Degradation in Cultural Heritage Objects)
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Open AccessArticle
Hazard Analysis and Vulnerability Assessment of Cultural Landscapes Exposed to Climate Change-Related Extreme Events: A Case Study of Wachau (Austria)
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Linda Canesi, Alessandro Sardella, Rainer Vogler, Anna Kaiser, Carmela Vaccaro and Alessandra Bonazza
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 1917-1934; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040091 - 25 Mar 2024
Abstract
The present paper aims to study the Wachau Valley in Austria as a representative Cultural Landscape under threat from extreme hydrometeorological hazards linked to climate change. The primary objective is to investigate the impacts and assess the vulnerability associated with the events of
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The present paper aims to study the Wachau Valley in Austria as a representative Cultural Landscape under threat from extreme hydrometeorological hazards linked to climate change. The primary objective is to investigate the impacts and assess the vulnerability associated with the events of heavy rain and flooding. The methodology employed consists of an investigation of recorded past events impacting the Wachau; a vulnerability ranking system; a climate time series analysis based on earth observation products; and future hazard maps at territorial level, developed with outputs from regional and global climate models. The investigation we carried out provides a vulnerability assessment of two terraced areas with a surface of about 10,000 m2 in total, characterized by the presence of dry stone walls, with different state of conservation in the Municipality of Krems (Wachau). In addition, climate projections at territorial level for the extreme climate indices R20mm, R95pTOT, and R×5day—selected for investigating the likelihood of increases/decreases in events of heavy rain and large basin flooding—are provided, with a spatial resolution of ~12 km for the near and far future (2021–2050; 2071–2100) under stabilizing (RCP 4.5) and pessimistic (RCP 8.5) scenarios. The results indicate a general increase for the three indices in the studied areas during the far future under the pessimistic scenario, suggesting a heightened risk of heavy rain and flooding. These findings aim to inform policymakers and decision-makers in their development of strategies for safeguarding cultural heritage. Furthermore, they serve to assist local stakeholders in enhancing their understanding of prioritizing interventions related to preparedness, emergency response, and recovery.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges to Heritage Conservation under Climate Change)
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Open AccessReview
Museums for Older Adults and Mobility-Impaired People: Applying Inclusive Design Principles and Digital Storytelling Guidelines—A Review
by
Kittichai Kasemsarn, Antika Sawadsri, David Harrison and Farnaz Nickpour
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 1893-1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040090 - 24 Mar 2024
Abstract
The research problems addressed in this article pertain to the limited understanding and insufficient availability of digital storytelling guidelines for elderly and physically impaired individuals in museum presentations. The objective of this review is to explore digital storytelling guidelines along with the latest
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The research problems addressed in this article pertain to the limited understanding and insufficient availability of digital storytelling guidelines for elderly and physically impaired individuals in museum presentations. The objective of this review is to explore digital storytelling guidelines along with the latest technology in museums catering to older adults and those with mobility impairments. This literature review included databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, covering the period from 2000 to 2023. Researchers comprehensively examined and employed content analysis to categorize all papers into three primary themes: (1) inclusive design for museum presentations; (2) trends in technology for digital storytelling in museum presentations; (3) guidelines for digital storytelling in museum presentations. This review article could enhance understanding and promote diversity, accessibility, and motivation among two specific groups of museum visitors, both onsite and online.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multisensory Museums: Richer Experiences, Inclusivity and Accessibility to Cultural Heritage)
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Open AccessArticle
Comparing the Impact of Non-Gamified and Gamified Virtual Reality in Digital Twin Virtual Museum Environments: A Case Study of Wieng Yong House Museum, Thailand
by
Suepphong Chernbumroong, Pakinee Ariya, Suratchanee Yolthasart, Natchaya Wongwan, Kannikar Intawong and Kitti Puritat
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 1870-1892; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040089 - 24 Mar 2024
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly employed in various domains, notably enhancing learning and experiences in cultural heritage (CH). This study examines the effects of gamified and non-gamified VR experiences within virtual museum environments, highlighting the concept of a digital twin and its focus
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Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly employed in various domains, notably enhancing learning and experiences in cultural heritage (CH). This study examines the effects of gamified and non-gamified VR experiences within virtual museum environments, highlighting the concept of a digital twin and its focus on cultural heritage. It explores how these VR modalities affect visitor motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes. For this purpose, two versions were developed: a gamified virtual reality version incorporating interactive gaming elements like achievements, profiles, leaderboards, and quizzes and a non-gamified virtual reality version devoid of these elements. This study, using an experimental design with 76 participants (38 in each group for the gamified and non-gamified experiences), leverages the Wieng Yong House Museum’s digital twin and its fabric collection to assess the educational and experiential quality of virtual museum visits. The findings indicate that while gamification significantly boosts the reward dimension of visitor engagement, its influence is most pronounced in the effort dimension of motivation; however, its impact on learning outcomes is less marked. These insights are instrumental for integrating VR and gamification into museum environments.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue XR and Artificial Intelligence for Heritage)
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Open AccessArticle
An HBIM Approach for Structural Diagnosis and Intervention Design in Heritage Constructions: The Case of the Certosa di Pisa
by
Anna De Falco, Francesca Gaglio, Francesca Giuliani, Massimiliano Martino and Vincenzo Messina
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 1850-1869; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040088 - 22 Mar 2024
Abstract
In the conservation of monumental heritage, the collection and utilization of information are of primary importance. The Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) procedure harnesses the potential of three-dimensional models, offering significant advantages in accessing documentation, interoperability, multidimensionality of intervention design, cost evaluation, and
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In the conservation of monumental heritage, the collection and utilization of information are of primary importance. The Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) procedure harnesses the potential of three-dimensional models, offering significant advantages in accessing documentation, interoperability, multidimensionality of intervention design, cost evaluation, and maintenance management. Our attention here is focused on the Certosa di Pisa (Italy), a large historical complex built in the 14th century as a monastery of the Carthusian Order, currently in a state of deterioration and in need of restoration and re-functionalization. The multifaceted nature of this monumental complex, with its intricate interplay of architectural elements spanning different historical periods and featuring diverse techniques, poses a significant challenge for structural safety assessment. This case study presents an opportunity to explore an HBIM approach to streamline the diagnostic process and facilitate the intervention design phase. The goal is achieved by utilizing an accurate 3D model enriched with data from multiple sources and automating certain operations for a simplified safety assessment of masonry structures under both gravity and seismic loads. The usefulness of the HBIM methodology is highlighted as a valuable tool in the realm of cultural heritage structures for both practitioners and scholars alike.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Architectural Heritage Management in Earthquake-Prone Areas)
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Open AccessArticle
Toward the Adaptive Reuse of Vernacular Architecture: Practices from the School of Porto
by
David Ordóñez-Castañón and Teresa Cunha Ferreira
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1826-1849; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030087 - 21 Mar 2024
Abstract
Strategies for the adaptive reuse of vernacular architecture are of utmost importance in the current context of social, economic, and environmental vulnerability. This article examines the design strategies of adaptive reuse in three cases of renowned architects of the so-called School of Porto
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Strategies for the adaptive reuse of vernacular architecture are of utmost importance in the current context of social, economic, and environmental vulnerability. This article examines the design strategies of adaptive reuse in three cases of renowned architects of the so-called School of Porto developed across the second half of the 20th century, specifically between 1956 and 1991. The paper aims to introduce a new and deeper knowledge of the selected practices by critically documenting the whole process of the intervention (before, during, after) and not only the final result, as is common practice in specialized publications. The research methodology combines the bibliographical and archival research and interpretation of diverse graphic, photographic, and textual documentation with the production of analytical drawings. The demolitions/additions color code (black/yellow/red) is applied to plans, sections, and elevations as an essential tool for understanding and communicating the transformations undertaken. The selected case studies are Além House (1956–1967) by Fernando Távora, Alcino Cardoso House (1971–1973; 1988–1991) by Álvaro Siza, and the House in Gerês (1980–1982) by Eduardo Souto de Moura. These projects show different strategies of intervention in built heritage, providing lessons on the reactivation of obsolete or abandoned rural constructions with new functions that are compatible with the preservation of their values (historical, landscape, constructive, social, and aesthetic) and guidelines for sustainable reuse.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings)
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