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Heritage, Volume 7, Issue 10 (October 2024) – 30 articles

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31 pages, 26347 KiB  
Article
Reviving the Practices of Transhumance in a Forgotten Settlement in Mainland Greece
by Julia Nerantzia Tzortzi, Sofia Theodoridou and Styliani Koukosoula
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5932-5962; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100278 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 703
Abstract
The aim of this research project is the investigation of the forgotten landscape of transhumance in mainland Greece, focusing on areas that have been abandoned by modern society and their historical significance. The goal is to make these lands functional again by preserving [...] Read more.
The aim of this research project is the investigation of the forgotten landscape of transhumance in mainland Greece, focusing on areas that have been abandoned by modern society and their historical significance. The goal is to make these lands functional again by preserving their cultural heritage and developing a sustainable community that meets the needs of people, livestock, and the environment. The investigation employs a dual approach: examining transhumance as a cultural and natural practice while analyzing vernacular architecture to preserve collective memory. This involves extensive historical research and a simultaneous analysis of spatial, social, symbolic, and architectural elements. This study identifies points of convergence between cultural practices and architectural heritage, applying these insights to contemporary redevelopment scenarios. Findings reveal a significant interplay between transhumance practices and the region’s anonymous architecture. Key characteristics of the landscape and its spatial identity are documented, providing insights into effective preservation and redevelopment strategies. Specific case studies validate these strategies, demonstrating their relevance to current and future efforts. This study concludes that understanding the historical context and spatial identity of transhumance landscapes is crucial for sustainable redevelopment. By preserving cultural practices and architectural heritage, this project provides a framework for revitalizing these landscapes, ensuring a balanced coexistence of people, livestock, and the environment. Full article
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25 pages, 7224 KiB  
Article
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Heritage Education: A Multimedia Approach to ‘Phra Aphai Mani’
by Kittichai Kasemsarn and Antika Sawadsri
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5907-5931; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100277 - 20 Oct 2024
Viewed by 614
Abstract
Even though classic literature has cultural and educational value in heritage education, students often have trouble becoming interested because of the archaic language, a lack of good learning materials, the idea that the literature is not relevant, and complicated plots. This research aims [...] Read more.
Even though classic literature has cultural and educational value in heritage education, students often have trouble becoming interested because of the archaic language, a lack of good learning materials, the idea that the literature is not relevant, and complicated plots. This research aims to enhance heritage education by identifying barriers and drivers in youth engagement with classic Thai literature and exploring how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles could be applied to increase motivation in learning classic literature through multimedia. Ten interviews with experts, 100 on-site questionnaires filled out by students aged 15–25 years, and a multimedia e-book were used together in this mixed-methods study. As a case study, the researchers asked both experts and students to read the Thai classic poem “Phra Aphai Mani: Escaping from the Sea Witch” and make suggestions for how it could be better. The results show that there are barriers to heritage education, such as ‘the story is not connected to the present’ (mean = 4.52/5), ‘archaic vocabulary and language barriers’ (mean = 4.36/5), and ‘learning materials’ (mean = 4.25/5). Surprisingly, Thai students showed more positive attitudes towards literature courses than expected based on international trends. Key drivers for enhancing heritage education include ‘classic literature in modern, easy-to-read language’ (mean = 4.65/5), ‘including multimedia’ (mean = 4.58/5), ‘the plot/story adapted to the current era’ (mean = 4.50/5), and ‘new presenting technologies’ (mean = 4.49/5). Next, as an innovative way to improve heritage education, this study developed a free e-book titled “Phra Aphai Mani: Escaping from the Sea Witch”, which includes motion graphics and other multimedia elements. This research contributes to knowledge by demonstrating how UDL can be applied to classic literature within heritage education, enhancing understanding of student needs, and creating more effective, inclusive multimedia teaching methods for preserving and transmitting cultural heritage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Heritage Education: Evolving Techniques and Methods)
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42 pages, 42127 KiB  
Article
The Miskolc Method: Modelling the Evolution of a Natural City with Recursive Algorithms Using Simulated Morphogenesis
by Zoltán Bereczki
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5865-5906; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100276 - 19 Oct 2024
Viewed by 584
Abstract
This article explores the application of procedural design methods in urban morphology, drawing inspiration from the innovative work of the Architectural Workshop of Miskolc in Hungary during the late 20th century. This study presents a generative approach termed “Simulated Morphogenesis” (or the “Miskolc [...] Read more.
This article explores the application of procedural design methods in urban morphology, drawing inspiration from the innovative work of the Architectural Workshop of Miskolc in Hungary during the late 20th century. This study presents a generative approach termed “Simulated Morphogenesis” (or the “Miskolc Method”), which models organic city growth by analysing historical urban tissues and applying recursive algorithms to simulate natural urban development. The method leverages advanced generative tools, such as Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper, to model the step-by-step growth of Central European cities, with a particular focus on Miskolc. By incorporating controlled randomness into the algorithmic processes, the method captures the complexity of organic urban growth while maintaining structured development. The Miskolc Method emphasizes the importance of continuity and context, allowing for the “healing” of urban fabric discontinuities or the generation of new urban structures. This article demonstrates how this approach, while rooted in geometrical analysis, offers a valuable foundation for preliminary urban planning. The findings are relevant for understanding the morphogenesis of cities and provide a flexible framework applicable to various urban contexts globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Heritage)
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26 pages, 34956 KiB  
Article
Geoheritage and Cultural Heritage Interface in a Place of Worship: The Historical Development of the Monumental Complex of San Francesco le Moniche in Aversa (Italy) and Its Underground Artificial Cavities
by Daniela Ruberti, Maria Assunta Fabozzi, Paolo Maria Guarino, Ivana Guidone, Arcangelo Pellegrino and Marco Vigliotti
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5839-5864; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100275 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 546
Abstract
The case study of the monumental complex of San Francesco le Moniche, built in the ancient Norman county Aversa, in northern Campania (Italy), is analyzed here. The cultural heritage of the complex and the additional value associated with geoheritage (building stones and underground [...] Read more.
The case study of the monumental complex of San Francesco le Moniche, built in the ancient Norman county Aversa, in northern Campania (Italy), is analyzed here. The cultural heritage of the complex and the additional value associated with geoheritage (building stones and underground extraction cavities) have been highlighted. The building stratification of the complex was reconstructed based on documentary sources, including historical cartography and photographic documentation of postcards from the early 1900s. It began around 1200 and ended in the 20th century; part of the original citadel was dismantled and incorporated into the urban fabric in the Fascist era. The building stratification of the complex was also read from the distribution and architecture of the existing underground cavities from which the building stones were extracted. The subsoil, reconstructed on the basis of geological and geophysical data, is made up of a tuff substrate, starting from approximately 5–6 m from the ground level, which represents the main building stone as well as being an important testimony to the long volcanological history of northern Campania. Laser scanner surveys of the known and accessible cavities were carried out to obtain a three-dimensional view of the entire monumental complex and its underground spaces. The results provide a clear example of a geoheritage–cultural heritage interface which reminds us of the importance of an integrated approach in their valorization, specifically in urban areas. Additionally, the results of the study allowed us to improve the knowledge of the complex and the site, and provide useful tools for the planning of future targeted investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geoheritage and Geo-Conservation)
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25 pages, 71521 KiB  
Article
Contributions to the Morphogenesis, Inventory, and Valorization of a Unique Speleological Geomorphosite from Miresii Cave—The Large Key of Dâmbovița, the Corridor Bran—Dragoslave (Romania)
by Ștefan Bilașco, Septimius Trif, Dănuț Petrea, Pompei Cocean, Fodorean Ioan, Roșca Sanda and Iuliu Vescan
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5814-5838; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100274 - 17 Oct 2024
Viewed by 674
Abstract
The present study contributes to the morphogenesis of the Miresii Cave, located in Cheia Mare of Dâmbovița in the area of the Bran—Dragoslavele Corridor, an important tourist axis in Romania. The main aim of the research is the proposal to the Scientific Council [...] Read more.
The present study contributes to the morphogenesis of the Miresii Cave, located in Cheia Mare of Dâmbovița in the area of the Bran—Dragoslavele Corridor, an important tourist axis in Romania. The main aim of the research is the proposal to the Scientific Council of Piatra Craiului National Park to bring to the attention of the national decision-making commissions that the cave be declared a natural monument. The inventory of this speleological geomorphosite suggested its inclusion in a thematic geotouristic circuit integrated into national and EU-protected natural areas. The novelty of the present research lies in the fact that the cave has never been studied before, being difficult to access. This cave, spatially found in the strict protection zone of the national park, is not included in its management plan. When being integrated into other nature protection areas, it is necessary to exclude any form of recreational tourism so that the cave can be exploited as a geotouristic resource strictly for research and educational purposes. The morphogenetic analysis of the cave, based on the information synthesized from geomorphological and geological literature, allowed us to decipher the morphological individualization of Miresii Cave in the local and regional geocronomorphological context, in accordance with the chronological separation of the karstification phenomenon manifested first in phreatic and later in vadose karst. The diversified typology of speleothems has been rendered according to the geomorphologic generating processes. The identification of the Rhinolophus ferrumequinum chiropteran colony and observations of its biotope highlighted the ecological significance of the cave. The inventory of the individuals of the colony led to the conclusion that the cave harbors one of the first two largest bat communities of this species in the national park and the adjacent depressional corridor. The present study may allow the documentation of the photographs and description of the geomorphosite integrated into the proposed thematic circuit to be included on billboards and in promotional brochures. Thus, it could also be useful for the decision-making authorities of Rucar and Podu Dâmboviței villages, which are interested in making decisions related to the promotion of geotourism, especially due to the existence of numerous geological and geomorphological tourist resources in the administrative territories. Full article
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14 pages, 3957 KiB  
Article
Rare Earth Elements to Control Bone Diagenesis Processes at Rozafa Castle (Albania)
by Daniel Román Navarro, Gianni Gallello, Janusz Recław, Ginevra Panzarino, M. Luisa Cervera and Agustín Pastor
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5800-5813; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100273 - 17 Oct 2024
Viewed by 650
Abstract
Archaeological bone chemical composition is modified post-mortem by diagenesis processes, and over decades, several authors have proposed different protocols to avoid post-depositional contamination that can carry to misleading interpretations about the lifestyle and origin of ancient populations. In this work, a methodological approach [...] Read more.
Archaeological bone chemical composition is modified post-mortem by diagenesis processes, and over decades, several authors have proposed different protocols to avoid post-depositional contamination that can carry to misleading interpretations about the lifestyle and origin of ancient populations. In this work, a methodological approach based on rare earth elements analysis was developed to determine diagenetic alterations on femurs, humeri, and skull surfaces, and internal layers from thirteen individuals exhumed during fieldwork in the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque at Rozafa Castle (Shkodër, Albania). Major, minor, and trace elements, including rare earth elements, were measured employing spectrometric techniques, and the obtained data were statistically processed by principal component analysis and one-way ANOVA to select the best preserved bones. The results show that in general, the internal parts of bones, especially skulls, suffered post-depositional chemical contamination. Finally, to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach, a diet reconstruction employing log(Sr/Ca) and Zn/Ca was tested, obtaining results that are in line with the literature describing a diet based on a mixed economy, mostly agricultural products with low protein intakes. Full article
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13 pages, 10695 KiB  
Article
Optimising Floor Plan Extraction: Applying DBSCAN and K-Means in Point Cloud Analysis of Valencia Cathedral
by Pablo Ariel Escudero, María Concepción López González and Jorge L. García Valldecabres
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5787-5799; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100272 - 16 Oct 2024
Viewed by 666
Abstract
Accurate documentation of the geometry of historical buildings presents a considerable challenge, especially when dealing with complex structures like the Metropolitan Cathedral of Valencia. Advanced technologies such as 3D laser scanning has enabled detailed spatial data capture. Still, efficient handling of this data [...] Read more.
Accurate documentation of the geometry of historical buildings presents a considerable challenge, especially when dealing with complex structures like the Metropolitan Cathedral of Valencia. Advanced technologies such as 3D laser scanning has enabled detailed spatial data capture. Still, efficient handling of this data remains challenging due to the volume and complexity of the information. This study explores the application of clustering techniques employing Machine Learning-based algorithms, such as DBSCAN and K-means, to automate the process of point cloud analysis and modelling, focusing on identifying and extracting floor plans. The proposed methodology includes data geo-referencing, culling points to reduce file size, and automated floor plan extraction through filtering and segmentation. This approach aims to streamline the documentation and modelling of historical buildings and enhance the accuracy of historical architectural surveys, significantly contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage by providing a more efficient and accurate method of data analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Heritage)
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13 pages, 5369 KiB  
Article
Tracking Evidence of Seismic Damage by Nonlinear Numerical Simulations for Dating in Archaeological Contexts
by Laura Pecchioli, Barbara Pintucchi and Michele Betti
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5774-5786; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100271 - 15 Oct 2024
Viewed by 621
Abstract
The Roman town of Ostia offers a unique opportunity to study a wide range of structural damage affecting different types of ancient buildings. In the Piccolo Mercato, potential seismic effects are visible in the masonry walls and in some of the masonry pillars [...] Read more.
The Roman town of Ostia offers a unique opportunity to study a wide range of structural damage affecting different types of ancient buildings. In the Piccolo Mercato, potential seismic effects are visible in the masonry walls and in some of the masonry pillars that in ancient times supported an arcade. This paper, with the aim of providing insight into the causes of the observed damage on one of these pillars, reports and discusses some results of an interdisciplinary study. The damaged pillar under consideration, in particular, is today broken with the upper part rotated about 12 degrees counterclockwise from the lower part. Numerical simulations of this pillar have been performed using finite element models, and incremental nonlinear time-history analyses were carried out for quite a large number of seismic input ground motions. From the obtained results, it appears that a rotation, similar to that exhibited by the upper part of the pillar, can be attributed to seismic action with Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) values ranging from medium to high. Full article
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26 pages, 28517 KiB  
Article
Authentication of a Bronze Bust of Napoleon I, Attributed to Renzo Colombo from 1885
by Ion Sandu, Vasile Drobota, Ana Drob, Andrei Victor Sandu, Viorica Vasilache, Cosmin Tudor Iurcovschi and Ioan Gabriel Sandu
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5748-5773; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100270 - 14 Oct 2024
Viewed by 430
Abstract
This paper presents the authentication analysis of a bronze bust of Napoleon I, attributed to the Italian artist Renzo Colombo (1856–1885) based on his signature and other casting and molding inscriptions. The bust was made using the lost wax technique and artificially patinated [...] Read more.
This paper presents the authentication analysis of a bronze bust of Napoleon I, attributed to the Italian artist Renzo Colombo (1856–1885) based on his signature and other casting and molding inscriptions. The bust was made using the lost wax technique and artificially patinated in the Pinédo variant workshop. This study combined historiographical research (using the specialized literature) with data from auction catalogs. These were compared with photographs of the entire bust and close-up images of key areas, including anthropomorphic features, clothing, inscriptions, and structural and ornamental details. The condition of the bust and its historical and chemical characteristics were assessed through direct analysis with magnifying tools and indirect analysis using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Full article
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25 pages, 29589 KiB  
Article
Preservation and Redevelopment of Cultural Heritage Through Public Engagement and University Involvement
by Nadia Frullo and Manuela Mattone
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5723-5747; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100269 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 541
Abstract
In recent decades, there has been a growing awareness of the importance and desirability of fostering the involvement of more actors, and in particular local communities, in the protection of cultural heritage. Since universities have long been asked to become promoters of actions [...] Read more.
In recent decades, there has been a growing awareness of the importance and desirability of fostering the involvement of more actors, and in particular local communities, in the protection of cultural heritage. Since universities have long been asked to become promoters of actions aimed at increasing society’s general level of well-being through interventions with cultural, social, and educational implications via technology transfer and knowledge sharing, a mutual collaboration between different researchers of the Politecnico di Torino, public administrations, and local communities has been consolidated over the last few years to provide a proactive contribution to both the preservation of cultural heritage and the social and economic development of the territories. A new educational methodology with direct and mutual collaboration between teachers and students, local communities, and policymakers was tested. The experiences conducted so far testify to the university’s ability to fulfil its training, research, and “Third Mission” tasks, both by responding to the needs of the territory and by transmitting up-to-date work methodologies, disciplinary skills, attention to context, and dialogue with local communities. The work carried out, appreciated by citizens and municipal administration representatives, was able to provide hints and stimuli for new opportunities and actions to be undertaken, foreshadowing possible development trajectories of the contexts investigated. Full article
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36 pages, 19254 KiB  
Review
Use of Computerised X-ray Tomography in the Study of the Fabrication Methods and Conservation of Ceramics, Glass and Stone Building Materials
by Sean P. Rigby
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5687-5722; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100268 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 591
Abstract
This work will review and discuss the use of computerised X-ray tomography (CXT) for analysing ancient, manufactured items, like stone building materials, glass and ceramics. It will consider particular techniques required, and/or of benefit, for CXT of heritage materials, such as special precautions [...] Read more.
This work will review and discuss the use of computerised X-ray tomography (CXT) for analysing ancient, manufactured items, like stone building materials, glass and ceramics. It will consider particular techniques required, and/or of benefit, for CXT of heritage materials, such as special precautions during the experimentation to ensure there is no damage to the materials, special imaging methods such as elemental-specific imaging, and sample-specific image analysis requirements. This study shows how the knowledge of internal features, particularly pores, discerned from CXT can be used to reverse engineer the artefact fabrication process. CXT can be used to obtain information on both the raw materials (such as types and impurities) and fabrication techniques used. These abilities can then be used to establish technological evolution and the incidence of ancient behaviours like recycling and allow the linking of particular items to specific production sites. It will also be seen how CXT can aid the development of effective conservation techniques. This work will also consider how conclusions drawn from CXT data can be amended or augmented by the use of complementary non-destructive characterisation methods, such as gas overcondensation. Full article
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27 pages, 70053 KiB  
Article
The Rise and Decline of Settlement Sites and Traditional Rural Architecture on Therasia Island and Their Reciprocal Interaction with the Environment
by Konstantinos Athanasiou
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5660-5686; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100267 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 911
Abstract
This study reconstructs the recent history of Therasia by examining the interplay between traditional settlements and the island’s natural and agricultural landscape. Through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates spatial and architectural analysis, historical records, and NDVI-based vegetation mapping, this research highlights the significant [...] Read more.
This study reconstructs the recent history of Therasia by examining the interplay between traditional settlements and the island’s natural and agricultural landscape. Through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates spatial and architectural analysis, historical records, and NDVI-based vegetation mapping, this research highlights the significant impact of agrarian structures like dry-stone walls and terraces on the environment. The unique dry-stone wall and terrace system is shown to have been crucial for both spatial organization and the survival of Therasia’s inhabitants. This study also addresses the challenges of dating these structures, employing a relative dating methodology to establish a timeline of habitation from the late medieval period to the present. This research reconstructs the island’s recent history, from early seasonal settlements to the eventual decline of rural architecture in the 20th century. The findings indicate that settlement patterns were closely linked to environmental and geomorphological factors, with the evolution of these sites driven by agricultural practices and broader socio-economic changes. This research not only reconstructs Therasia’s past, but also proposes a novel methodological framework combining remote sensing with traditional historical analysis, offering new insights into the relationship between human settlements and the environment in the Aegean region. Full article
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19 pages, 4296 KiB  
Article
From CT Scans to Morphable Digital Models: Methodologies for Revealing and Preserving the Internal Structures of Artistic Figurines
by Christina Sakellariou, Dimitrios Makris and Georgios Bardis
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5641-5659; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100266 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 581
Abstract
The revelation of the internal structure of objects through computed tomography (CT scan) contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of their creation, the assessment of their preservation status, and the prediction of their future behavior. Consequently, in the case of Yiannis Pappas’ collection, [...] Read more.
The revelation of the internal structure of objects through computed tomography (CT scan) contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of their creation, the assessment of their preservation status, and the prediction of their future behavior. Consequently, in the case of Yiannis Pappas’ collection, this knowledge aids in the perpetuation of the models it hosts, which are made from malleable materials, such as wax, plasticine, and mazut, on metallic armature. This publication presents the complete methodology for extracting three-dimensional (3D) models (reconstructions) of the individual construction materials of the figurines, with the aim of subsequently utilizing them in research, as well as in their digital preservation and restoration. The 3D reconstructions were obtained by automatic segmentation algorithms based on the absorption measurements of the materials of the specific figurines, and were furthered edited (post-processing) to obtain the final models. Full article
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30 pages, 52651 KiB  
Article
Intervention Projects in the Rural Alpine Environment: Approaches from the 1990s
by Silvia Alonso de los Ríos
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5611-5640; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100265 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 579
Abstract
The architecture in the rural environment leaves a trail of forgotten pre-existence during depopulation processes. The anonymous practice of continuous updating that these constructions have undergone involves their enlargement and adaptation to new requirements in the sense of primary functionality, but also in [...] Read more.
The architecture in the rural environment leaves a trail of forgotten pre-existence during depopulation processes. The anonymous practice of continuous updating that these constructions have undergone involves their enlargement and adaptation to new requirements in the sense of primary functionality, but also in the evolving ways of inhabiting. It shows an ability to update the heritage without rhetoric, presenting economic, social, and environmental sustainability. These considerations point towards an investigation of the upgrading of architecture in the rural environment as a source of action strategies in an adaptive reuse context. The methodological approach is based on a case study analysis of two intervention projects from the early 1990s in Grisons, namely the pioneering projects of Peter Märkli in Walenstadtberg in 1992/99 and Peter Zumthor in Versam in 1994. The analysis of both cases demonstrates a tectonic correlation between the spatial form development and the potential of traditional building systems. Furthermore, both cases prove the possibility of typological shifts when it comes to updating the built heritage for preservation. Finally, this study elucidates the exemplary role of both cases with respect to the renewed approaches to old and new in the context of the rural environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings)
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18 pages, 1318 KiB  
Article
The Impact of the Sociodemographic Profile on the Tourist Experience of the Fiesta de los Patios of Córdoba: An Analysis of Visitor Satisfaction
by Lucía Castaño-Prieto, Lucía García-García, Minerva Aguilar-Rivero and José E. Ramos-Ruiz
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5593-5610; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100264 - 8 Oct 2024
Viewed by 505
Abstract
The Festival of the Patios of Cordoba, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) by UNESCO in 2012, serves as an emblematic case of how this designation acts as a tourist brand, attracting a greater number of visitors and granting a competitive advantage to [...] Read more.
The Festival of the Patios of Cordoba, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) by UNESCO in 2012, serves as an emblematic case of how this designation acts as a tourist brand, attracting a greater number of visitors and granting a competitive advantage to the city’s tourist market. This research is focused on analyzing the differences and similarities in the satisfaction, lived experience and behavioral intention of tourists according to their sociodemographic profile during the 2022 edition of the Patios Festival. The study’s main objective is to understand the sociodemographic profile of the tourist who visits this event and if there are features of this profile that influence the satisfaction and lived experience with the event. Using a quantitative methodological approach, field work was carried out during the Fiesta de los Patios of Cordoba (Spain) in its 2022 edition, which took place between 3 and 15 May 2022, obtaining 383 valid surveys. The results reveal differences in the perception and satisfaction of the experience depending on the sociodemographic profile of the visitors. These findings highlight the need to adapt the tourism offerings to improve the visitor experience and also contribute to the scarcity of studies on ICH to help tourism managers formulate strategies that maximize the cultural and economic benefits of these Word Heritage inscriptions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)
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24 pages, 22163 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Overview and New Research on Carbonate Rocks of the Sé Velha Cathedral in Coimbra, Portugal
by Alice Tavares, Fernando Rocha, Ana Fragata, Aníbal Costa and Matilde Oliveira
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5569-5592; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100263 - 8 Oct 2024
Viewed by 875
Abstract
In addition to the surrounding climatic environment, the intrinsic characteristics of the stones used in construction are a critical factor to understand a building’s conservation state and define the necessary planning and conservation management activities. The use of environmentally susceptible stones, such as [...] Read more.
In addition to the surrounding climatic environment, the intrinsic characteristics of the stones used in construction are a critical factor to understand a building’s conservation state and define the necessary planning and conservation management activities. The use of environmentally susceptible stones, such as carbonate stones, in heritage buildings can be especially problematic. The present investigation presents an overview of past research and contributes to identifying the types of carbonate stones used over time in Coimbra’s Old Cathedral in Portugal, which was classified as a National Monument and integrated into the Coimbra World Heritage site by UNESCO. Our mineralogical and chemical analyses revealed the use of carbonate stones from different quarries (Coimbra region), including Ançã limestone and dolostone (Porta Especiosa portal), Portunhos limestone and Outil limestone (in the perimeter of windows), and marlstones and Outil limestone (side facades). These stones, which were installed at various times during the construction and alteration of the monument, represent a great challenge for conservation planning due to their intrinsic vulnerability to adverse environmental conditions and pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Methodologies and Practices for Built Heritage)
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22 pages, 14472 KiB  
Article
Urban Historiography and Graphic Reconstruction of a Historic Area in Valencia, Spain
by Concepción López González, Patricio R. Orozco Carpio and Conxeta Romaní López
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5547-5568; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100262 - 7 Oct 2024
Viewed by 695
Abstract
The conservation of cultural heritage is a well-established fact recognized by public administrations, the scientific community, and society at large. Understanding this heritage strengthens the historical memory of communities. However, there is a type of heritage that, as it disappears or evolves over [...] Read more.
The conservation of cultural heritage is a well-established fact recognized by public administrations, the scientific community, and society at large. Understanding this heritage strengthens the historical memory of communities. However, there is a type of heritage that, as it disappears or evolves over time, cannot be physically recovered: the urban fabric of historic cores. This article aims to implement a system for integrating historical urban data into a Geographic Information System (GIS) to enable the graphic recovery of urban evolution within a territory. This system facilitates the storage of alphanumeric and graphic data in a centralized database, providing a holistic view of the transformation process of a historic center’s landscape. This case study focuses on an area in the historic center of Valencia, a territory influenced by multiple cultures since the city was founded by the Romans. Each culture has altered the spatial structures within the area. Georeferenced documents from historical archives, historical cartography, and the scientific literature were utilized for this study. The results have been integrated into the current cartography of Valencia in the GIS, producing plans of successive urban stages through the overlay of historical maps and current cartography. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage as a Contributor to Territorial/Urban Resilience)
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26 pages, 19393 KiB  
Article
ML Approaches for the Study of Significant Heritage Contexts: An Application on Coastal Landscapes in Sardinia
by Marco Cappellazzo, Giacomo Patrucco and Antonia Spanò
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5521-5546; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100261 - 5 Oct 2024
Viewed by 759
Abstract
Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Science (GIS) techniques are powerful tools for spatial data collection, analysis, management, and digitization within cultural heritage frameworks. Despite their capabilities, challenges remain in automating data semantic classification for conservation purposes. To address this, leveraging airborne Light [...] Read more.
Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Science (GIS) techniques are powerful tools for spatial data collection, analysis, management, and digitization within cultural heritage frameworks. Despite their capabilities, challenges remain in automating data semantic classification for conservation purposes. To address this, leveraging airborne Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) point clouds, complex spatial analyses, and automated data structuring is crucial for supporting heritage preservation and knowledge processes. In this context, the present contribution investigates the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies for automating existing LiDAR data structuring, focusing on the case study of Sardinia coastlines. Moreover, the study preliminary addresses automation challenges in the perspective of historical defensive landscapes mapping. Since historical defensive architectures and landscapes are characterized by several challenging complexities—including their association with dark periods in recent history and chronological stratification—their digitization and preservation are highly multidisciplinary issues. This research aims to improve data structuring automation in these large heritage contexts with a multiscale approach by applying Machine Learning (ML) techniques to low-scale 3D Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) point clouds. The study thus develops a predictive Deep Learning Model (DLM) for the semantic segmentation of sparse point clouds (<10 pts/m2), adaptable to large landscape heritage contexts and heterogeneous data scales. Additionally, a preliminary investigation into object-detection methods has been conducted to map specific fortification artifacts efficiently. Full article
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26 pages, 4853 KiB  
Review
A Bibliometric Analysis of Museum Visitors’ Experiences Research
by Tesfaye Fentaw Nigatu, Alexander Trupp and Pek Yen Teh
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5495-5520; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100260 - 4 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2371
Abstract
This study identified research trends, intellectual connections, and social connections in the field of museum visitor experiences. It also outlines future research to understand existing scientific research and shed light on key areas of research. The study reviewed 407 articles published in peer-reviewed [...] Read more.
This study identified research trends, intellectual connections, and social connections in the field of museum visitor experiences. It also outlines future research to understand existing scientific research and shed light on key areas of research. The study reviewed 407 articles published in peer-reviewed journal articles, which were generated from the Scopus database. Bibliometric analysis software VOSviewer and Harzing POP were used. Citation analysis, co-authorship analysis, bibliometric coupling, and co-occurrence analysis have been employed. Findings highlight the need for increased representation from scholars in the Global South to ensure a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of museum visitors’ experiences worldwide. Nine key research areas for future studies were identified: sustainability, mixed reality, social media, accessibility, emotion, co-creation, interpretation, exhibition, and museum visitors’ experience and engagement. The results benefit stakeholders and researchers by allowing them to stay informed about the latest developments and breakthroughs in the global academic landscape and visitors’ experiences in museums. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Museum and Heritage)
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19 pages, 3236 KiB  
Review
A Closer Look at Heritage Systems from Medieval Colors to Modern and Contemporary Artworks
by Maria J. Melo, Márcia Vieira, Paula Nabais, Artur Neves, Marisa Pamplona and Eva Mariasole Angelin
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5476-5494; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100259 - 3 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1000
Abstract
This microreview, conducted by interdisciplinary teams, examines complex heritage material systems, such as medieval colors and modern and contemporary artworks. Our multi-analytical approach, a significant aspect of our research, is a means to this end. The conservation of works of art is our [...] Read more.
This microreview, conducted by interdisciplinary teams, examines complex heritage material systems, such as medieval colors and modern and contemporary artworks. Our multi-analytical approach, a significant aspect of our research, is a means to this end. The conservation of works of art is our shared goal, as it ensures their accessibility and the transfer of cultural heritage to future generations. We seek to interpret the damage, usefulness, and innovation of the experimental design in this context. As Jan Wouters rightly points out, “The terminology used nowadays to describe the potential damage to objects caused by analysis should be refined beyond the destructiveness/non-invasiveness polarization. A terminology should include at least degree level intervention (low, medium, high), usefulness, and innovation”. Complementing micro- or sub-micro-sampling with the appropriate analytical methods is crucial, as exemplified in medieval, modern, and contemporary collections studies. Finally, a novel perspective for exploring the information contained in the multiscale heterogeneity of organic historical materials is envisaged, and it includes UV/Visible photoluminescence spectral imaging using a low-intensity ultraviolet synchrotron beam. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-invasive Technologies Applied in Cultural Heritage)
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14 pages, 8862 KiB  
Article
Mosaic Technology in the Armenian Chapel Birds Mosaic, Jerusalem: Characterizing the Polychrome Hidden Sinopia
by Yotam Asscher, Giulia Ricci, Michela Reato, Ilana Peters, Abraham Leviant, Jacques Neguer, Mark Avrahami and Gilberto Artioli
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5462-5475; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100258 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 644
Abstract
Since the Hellenistic period, preparatory drawings known as sinopiae were employed as guidelines for mosaicists in creating mosaics. The sinopiae served as the basis for style and content, facilitating the placement of colored tesserae in the supporting mortar. The technology of the mosaic [...] Read more.
Since the Hellenistic period, preparatory drawings known as sinopiae were employed as guidelines for mosaicists in creating mosaics. The sinopiae served as the basis for style and content, facilitating the placement of colored tesserae in the supporting mortar. The technology of the mosaic and pigments used reflect the capacity of the mosaic workshop and its master. This work explores a polychrome sinopia that was found under a Byzantine mosaic of an Armenian Chapel in Jerusalem, by a multi-analytical characterization of mineralogical and chemical properties. The composition of the pigments in the black and red areas of the sinopia include carbon black and red ochre, respectively, utilized in the fresco technique. Since colored tesserae are placed in wet mortar, it can be deduced that mosaicists worked together with painters during the executionary steps. This has corresponding implications for historical and artistic specializations at mosaic workshops, with deeper understanding of mosaic production processes. This research also highlights the importance of studying sinopiae under floor mosaics, which is a source of information on the pigments, paintings techniques, and the people who executed the work, all embedded in mortar which is well protected below the stone tesserae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials and Heritage)
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16 pages, 7815 KiB  
Article
The Scientific Reference Model—A Methodological Approach in the Hypothetical 3D Reconstruction of Art and Architecture
by Piotr Kuroczyński, Igor Piotr Bajena and Irene Cazzaro
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5446-5461; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100257 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 536
Abstract
Scientific practice relies on the rigorous documentation of procedures, methods, and outcomes, governed by principles like method verification, objectivity, and source disclosure. In the computer-based hypothetical 3D reconstruction of destroyed or never realised art and architecture, adhering to these principles faces challenges due [...] Read more.
Scientific practice relies on the rigorous documentation of procedures, methods, and outcomes, governed by principles like method verification, objectivity, and source disclosure. In the computer-based hypothetical 3D reconstruction of destroyed or never realised art and architecture, adhering to these principles faces challenges due to evolving software, methods, and data types, leading to a lack of standardised documentation and publication practices for 3D models. Consequently, the traceability, accessibility, and sustainability of research outcomes are compromised. Decades after the advent of computer-aided 3D visualisation in cultural heritage, there is a critical need to define applicable methodology and comprehensive documentation standards. Web-based platforms necessitate technical infrastructures and clear scientific methodologies to ensure understandable model creation and sustainable accessibility to 3D research data. The Scientific Reference Model proposes an accessible academic framework for this kind of 3D reconstruction, aiming to facilitate broad adoption. Developed and tested in research projects and educational contexts, this model aims to establish clear, accessible 3D models on the web, serving as foundational references for future research and knowledge dissemination. Full article
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18 pages, 3429 KiB  
Article
ChatGPT as a Digital Assistant for Archaeology: Insights from the Smart Anomaly Detection Assistant Development
by Gabriele Ciccone
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5428-5445; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100256 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1175
Abstract
The introduction of generative AI has the potential to radically transform various fields of research, including archaeology. This study explores the potential of generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, in developing a computer application for analyzing aerial and satellite images to detect archaeological anomalies. The [...] Read more.
The introduction of generative AI has the potential to radically transform various fields of research, including archaeology. This study explores the potential of generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, in developing a computer application for analyzing aerial and satellite images to detect archaeological anomalies. The main focus was not on developing the application itself but on evaluating ChatGPT’s effectiveness as an IT assistant for humanistic researchers. Starting with a simple prompt to analyze a multispectral orthophoto, the application was developed through successive iterations, improved through continuous interactions with ChatGPT. Various technical and methodological challenges were addressed, leading to the creation of a functional application with multiple features, including various analysis methods and tools. This process demonstrated how the use of large language models (LLMs) can break down the barriers between humanities and computer science disciplines, enabling researchers without programming skills to develop complex applications in a short time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI and the Future of Cultural Heritage)
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15 pages, 2195 KiB  
Essay
The Three-Dimensional Model as a ‘Scientific Fact’: The Scientific Methodology in Hypothetical Reconstruction
by Fabrizio I. Apollonio
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5413-5427; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100255 - 29 Sep 2024
Viewed by 603
Abstract
For more than thirty years, 3D digital modelling has been used more and more widely as a research tool in various disciplinary fields. Despite this, the 3D models produced by different research, investigation, and speculation activities are still only used as a basis [...] Read more.
For more than thirty years, 3D digital modelling has been used more and more widely as a research tool in various disciplinary fields. Despite this, the 3D models produced by different research, investigation, and speculation activities are still only used as a basis and as sources for the production of images and scientific contributions (papers in journals, contributions in conference proceedings, etc.) in dissemination and cultural activities, but without having yet assumed full autonomy as a ‘scientific fact’, as a product of research, or as a means of scientific debate and progress. This paper outlines the context in the field of architecture and archeology in which the use of 3D models has become increasingly widespread, reaching a level of full maturity, and how the field of hypothetical reconstruction can be characterized as an autonomous/scientific discipline through the definition and adoption of a scientific, transparent, verifiable, reusable, and refutable method. In this context, the definition of the 3D model as a product of scientific speculation and research is proposed. Full article
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23 pages, 14201 KiB  
Article
Qarasiña Culinary Tradition: Conserving Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Jach’a Puni (Andean Community), Bolivia
by Simón Cocarico, Diego Rivera, Stephan Beck and Concepción Obón
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5390-5412; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100254 - 29 Sep 2024
Viewed by 593
Abstract
Heritage encompasses features integral to the culture of a particular society, such as traditional foods that have historical significance and continue to be part of the community’s identity. These culinary traditions must be preserved to sustain cultural identity and community well-being. This study [...] Read more.
Heritage encompasses features integral to the culture of a particular society, such as traditional foods that have historical significance and continue to be part of the community’s identity. These culinary traditions must be preserved to sustain cultural identity and community well-being. This study aims to document the role of qarasiña, along with other ancestral foods, in establishing quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) as a cultural keystone species in the Jach’a Puni community. Primary data were gathered through in-depth interviews with local experts and community observations, supplemented by a comprehensive literature review. Findings reveal that in Jach’a Puni, all food is considered sacred. Three main types of qarasiña are identified: jupha qarasiña, ajara qarasiña, and kita qarasiña. The primary ingredients are domesticated quinoa (jupha) flour (Chenopodium quinoa var. quinoa) and wild quinoa (ajara) flour (Chenopodium quinoa var. melanospermum and C. hircinum). Qarasiña is integral to community banquets and social events. Although quinoa is celebrated globally as the “golden grain”, there is a risk that qarasiña may disappear and quinoa could be replaced by wheat or maize, threatening its status as a cornerstone species in the Bolivian Altiplano. Full article
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17 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
In Search of New Dimensions for Religious Tourism: The Case of the Ancient City of Nessebar
by Sonia Mileva and Milena Krachanova
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5373-5389; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100253 - 28 Sep 2024
Viewed by 889
Abstract
Religious tourism is a growing phenomenon that is increasingly intertwined with cultural tourism, particularly in countries like Bulgaria, which possesses a wealthy heritage of religious interest. The Ancient City of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich religious history, provides a [...] Read more.
Religious tourism is a growing phenomenon that is increasingly intertwined with cultural tourism, particularly in countries like Bulgaria, which possesses a wealthy heritage of religious interest. The Ancient City of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich religious history, provides a unique case study for examining this dynamic. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, including documentary analysis and case study methodology, to investigate the current state of religious tourism in Nessebar. The research revealed the underutilization of Nessebar’s religious sites for tourism purposes, despite their potential value. A complex interplay between mass tourism, cultural preservation, and the decline of traditional religious practices was identified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)
17 pages, 4599 KiB  
Article
Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Historic Centers with Two Fast Methods Based on CARTIS Survey Methodology and Fragility Curves
by Giuliana Cardani and Elsa Garavaglia
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5356-5372; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100252 - 28 Sep 2024
Viewed by 515
Abstract
After an earthquake, legislation tends to permit the rapid demolition of damaged buildings, including the built heritage, for safety reasons, as was the case for many small historic centers after the 2016 earthquake in central Italy. A balance should, of course, be struck [...] Read more.
After an earthquake, legislation tends to permit the rapid demolition of damaged buildings, including the built heritage, for safety reasons, as was the case for many small historic centers after the 2016 earthquake in central Italy. A balance should, of course, be struck between safety and preservation. There must be a willingness to engage in continuous interaction with the various bodies involved in post-earthquake management, particularly in the preventive phase of the complex activities regarding the issues of the seismic vulnerability of historic built. The widespread historical built heritage in Italy requires fast and reliable assessment procedures that allow a large-scale evaluation of the vulnerability of historical buildings before a seismic event. To this end, a proposal is presented here for the inverse use of the protocol for the seismic vulnerability survey of historic centers by means of a system called CARTIS form, coordinated since 2015 by the Italian consortium of Seismic and Structural Engineering Laboratories (ReLUIS). This rapid assessment is compared with an equally fast method for constructing fragility curves, based only on the information available in the ReLUIS–CARTIS database, defining the relationship between the probability of reaching a level of loss of structural safety or a vulnerability index as a function of the seismic acceleration PGA and the ground orography. The methodology outlined could be considered to be progress in cultural heritage diagnostics on a large scale, considering cultural heritage to be the diffuse historical residential masonry buildings that form the historic centers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Cultural Heritage Diagnostics)
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37 pages, 21530 KiB  
Article
Terrorism Risk Assessment for Historic Urban Open Areas
by Elena Cantatore, Enrico Quagliarini and Fabio Fatiguso
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5319-5355; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100251 - 26 Sep 2024
Viewed by 539
Abstract
Making cities resilient and secure remains a central goal in urban policy strategies, where established methods, technologies, and best experiences are applied or replicated when the knowledge of a threat is already well established. The scientific community and specialized bodies are invited to [...] Read more.
Making cities resilient and secure remains a central goal in urban policy strategies, where established methods, technologies, and best experiences are applied or replicated when the knowledge of a threat is already well established. The scientific community and specialized bodies are invited to comprehend and evaluate disastrous events that are still not well explored to broaden the concept of resilient cities. Among these, terrorism in the European-built environment remains an underexplored topic, despite various studies assessing its economic, social, and political dimensions, exploring the radicalist matrix, or examining the post-effects of high-impact disastrous events. Within this framework, this work presents an algorithm for the risk assessment of historic urban open areas (uOAs) in Europe, combining theories of the terrorism phenomenon, the normative experiences, and the phenomenological results of violent acts in uOAs. Specifically, the algorithm is determined by studying physical qualities/properties and elements that usually feature the uOAs, using a limited set of descriptors. The descriptors and their formulation are set starting from their qualification, in compliance with the risk determinant (Hazard, Vulnerability, and Exposure), and discussed starting from participatory methods (Delphi and AHP). The algorithm is finally applied to Italian historic squares, testing the mathematical approach, verifying theories of the phenomenon, and setting up a comprehensive three-dimensional risk matrix for both soft and hard targets. This latest constitutes an operative tool to assess the investigated built environment exposed to terrorist threats aimed at developing more detailed mitigative strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage under Threat. Endangered Monuments and Heritage Sites)
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12 pages, 1262 KiB  
Article
Tradition in Action-Traditional Costume Innovations
by Lorraine Portelli, Zoi Arvanitidou, Kathryn McSweeney and Riikka Räisänen
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5307-5318; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100250 - 26 Sep 2024
Viewed by 662
Abstract
Traditional costumes and crafts are a basic form and element of local culture and a vital pathway for perpetuating traditional art and design culture. They are an artistic form of historical and cultural significance. This paper focuses on three traditional costumes from Malta, [...] Read more.
Traditional costumes and crafts are a basic form and element of local culture and a vital pathway for perpetuating traditional art and design culture. They are an artistic form of historical and cultural significance. This paper focuses on three traditional costumes from Malta, Ireland, and Finland. The għonnella, worn by Maltese women of different social classes, consisted of a voluminous cape-like covering reinforced with whalebone and cardboard and was worn over the head and shoulders, reaching ankle length. Irish costumes were adorned with beautiful Irish lace, crochet, and embroidery. Celtic embroidery was added to clothing to develop a distinctive Irish dress style during the great cultural revival of the early 20th century. The Karelian costume from Finland was constructed using wool and linen. Ladies in Karelia wore handcrafted, highly embroidered gowns, and traditions were passed down from older ladies, including mothers and grandmothers. These costumes were collected in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when Finnish Karelia was known as ‘The Old Finland’. This paper delves into the origins of these costumes and how social and cultural events, with their intriguing influence, shaped their styles, features, colors, and fabrics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cultural Heritage)
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12 pages, 2225 KiB  
Article
Health and Heritage: The Bioarchaeological Discovery of a Probable Case of Developmental Dysplasia in an Adult Subject
by Nicol Rossetti, Roberta Fusco, Carmelo Messina, Arianna Vanni and Marta Licata
Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5295-5306; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100249 - 24 Sep 2024
Viewed by 653
Abstract
Imagining life before the advent of modern medical treatments is challenging. Today, congenital dysplasia is typically diagnosed within the first months of a child’s life, allowing for timely intervention. In the past, however, this condition often went unrecognized and untreated, as evidenced by [...] Read more.
Imagining life before the advent of modern medical treatments is challenging. Today, congenital dysplasia is typically diagnosed within the first months of a child’s life, allowing for timely intervention. In the past, however, this condition often went unrecognized and untreated, as evidenced by archaeological findings that document the presence of congenital dysplasia persisting into adulthood. We present the case of the individual recovered from the hypogeal cemetery of Santa Maria Maggiore in Vercelli, Italy, a funerary context dated from the 18th to the 19th century. Using macroscopic and radiographic analyses, various morphological irregularities were identified, consistent with the characteristics of developmental hip dysplasia. The skeletal remains identified as FU12 SU151 include a right os coxa and femur, belonging to an adult female. The femur features a 90-degree femoral head angle and a shortened neck with nodules. The acetabulum shows significant morphological changes, including a triangular shape and absence of lunate surfaces, deviating from the normal structure for femoral articulation. CT scans revealed a void within the acetabulum, indicating an absence of material. Despite preservation challenges that restrict the identification of definitive signs, our findings offer valuable insights into possible developmental dysplasia in historic skeletal remains. This research provides insights into the impact of untreated congenital conditions on past populations, underscoring the importance of preserving and studying such remains to enhance our understanding of historical health issues. Full article
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