Heritage, Volume 8, Issue 3 (March 2025) – 30 articles

‘Whitestone’ is a characteristic raw material in the Late Neolithic (Tisza and Lengyel culture) polished stone tool (chisel, adze, macehead) archaeological record in Southern Hungary. However, the lithology—the technical term not reflecting a petrographic definition—needs detailed petrographic-analytical investigations (by optical microscopy, PGAA, and SEM-EDS) to determine the exact rock types and to connect them to specific geological sources. This article identifies the main types of ‘whitestone’ and, furthermore, focuses on the predominant ‘silicified magnesite’ type and the secondary ‘silicified limestone/dolomite’ type. Based on our results, both types originated from the alteration of serpentinized ultramafic assemblages, most probably from the closest magnesitic alteration zones of serpentinite outcrops in Serbia. Thus, the most possible provenance of the Late Neolithic ‘whitestone’ polished stone tools is the Serbian magnesite. These lithologies are in the territory of the Late Neolithic Vinča culture, which was engaged in mass production of ‘whitestone’ tools. This fact indicates the strong relationship of that population with the Tisza and Lengyel communities. Full article

The Florentine architect Vittorio Giorgini (1926–2010) graduated in 1957 from his hometown School of Architecture. During the 1950s and 1960s, he came to maturity in the lively cultural climate of Florence. Giorgini’s design process was based on the direct observation of natural structures. He coined the term “Spatiology” to define his studies of morphology. In 1969, he moved to New York City, where he worked as a professor of Architecture and Planning at the Pratt Institute until 1996. Giorgini took part in the artistic and cultural life of the Big Apple, and here, he frequented and formed a series of friendships with personalities of notable stature (John M. Johansen, Isamu Noguchi, Buckminster Fuller). The aim of the latter is to investigate Giorgini’s USA period (1969–1996), which constituted a far-reaching design phase beginning in the Seventies. In particular, it is very interesting to study the relationships Giorgini established with architects, artists, and intellectuals in New York that constituted a source of seduction and inspiration for his design process. The research focuses on the “Made in USA” projects that were never built, in which the formal interpretation of natural organisms consisted mainly of tetrahedral and octahedral meshes. Full article

An open-access infrared spectroscopy database of reference and historical parchments has been developed at Northumbria University in collaboration with Birkbeck, University of London. The resource includes the spectra acquired with attenuated total reflectance/Fourier transform infrared (ATR/FTIR) spectroscopy for a wide range of parchments, which were studied in the EU 5th Framework project “Improved Damage Assessment of Parchment” (IDAP). The parchment samples include reference samples, samples exposed to dry and humid heat, light, and inorganic gaseous pollutants, as well as parchments from three archives: Archivio di Stato di Firenze; the National Archives, Scotland; and the Royal Library and Royal Danish Academy—Architecture, Design, Conservation, Copenhagen. The database is invaluable for scholars, including archivists, conservation scientists, conservators, librarians, curators, and the general public, as to the best of our knowledge such a resource has not previously existed. Full article

This article offers insights into conceptualizing a different angle of cultural heritage in its intangible form and generational inheritance, in relation to migrant community bonds and their impacts on embodied stories of trauma and healing. This article aims to contribute to understanding how cultural and historical knowledge of heritage is passed from one generation to the next, with deep emotional impacts, whether trauma or self-development. While engaging in an interdisciplinary dialogue with Bion’s work, we explore nodes of divergence and convergence in how gendered and embodied migrant sexuality/identity stories of trauma and healing exemplify the call for research to engage with perspectives of social and cultural differences. This understanding of contested cultural heritage and how belonging can be achieved links to ethnic–ancestral/national consciousness, as well as the struggle to belong among first- and second-generation migrants. The empirical data draws from extensive ethnographic, multi-method, multi-sited, comparative, and narrative research conducted with first- and second-generation migrants. The analysis is situated within Bion’s theory and articulated through an interpretative interdisciplinary framework aiming to unravel the complexity of the phenomena of mobility and identity construction. This analysis exemplifies the power dynamics inherent in migrant inter/intragenerational relations shaped by cultural heritage. Full article

This article examines the dynamic behavior of small-sized heritage artifacts. Small figurines, replicas of ancient ones, were used. The figurines were placed on different bases of support, including a steel plate, a steel plate on which a layer of felt was later added, and an acrylic base. The base of support was found to influence the dynamic response of the object, either reducing or increasing the possibility of overturning, depending on the coefficient of friction between the contacting surfaces. In addition, the frequency content of the excitation signal and its intensity level played an important role. The coefficient of friction between the surfaces had a smaller effect on the dynamic response of the objects at low excitation frequencies. It was also observed that at high excitation levels, a high coefficient of restitution increased the rotation of the objects about their vertical axis. Full article

This experimental study analyses the extent of chemo-mineralogical changes that occur when a building stone encounters a cycling isothermal treatment at 600 °C. Four carbonate and two silicate European building stones were analysed in their fresh quarried and thermally treated conditions by means of colour measurements, in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), and optical microscopy. Furthermore, powdered samples were characterised by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, simultaneous thermal analysis, and cycling thermogravimetry (TG). The in situ XRD spectra revealed a surface-limited phase transformation of solid calcite and dolomite under isothermal conditions during the first 10 min at 600 °C and 500 °C, respectively. The onset of thermal decomposition and extent of phase transformation were governed by the microstructure of the solid samples. Inter- and intragranular microcracks are induced to varying degrees, and their incidence depended on the stone’s microstructure. Discolouration indicated a transformation of minor elements across the entire analysed sample volumes. Kaolinite was preserved even after three hours of thermal treatment at its dehydroxylation temperature due to its sheltering in confined pore spaces. Mass loss was more pronounced when cyclic treatment was employed compared to a non-periodic treatment, as determined by a TG analysis performed at same time intervals. Examining the chemo-mineralogical and microstructural changes caused by heat treatment allows us to study how and if regaining mechanical strength and restoring physical properties are possible for purposes of heritage restoration after fire damage. Full article

The purpose of this paper was to identify the types of stone used in the “Resthouses” along the Northwest Royal Road connecting Angkor in Cambodia and Phimai in Thailand and to determine their sources through magnetic susceptibility measurements and chemical composition analyses. Laterite was the primary building material for the “Resthouses”, except for Pr. Ku Sila Khan in Thailand. Pr. Ku Sila Khan, located at the northernmost point of the Northwest Royal Road, was primarily built with fine-grained red sandstone. Based on the magnetic susceptibility and the V, Sr, and As contents of the laterite, the following pairs of “Resthouses” were likely sourced from the same quarries: Pr. Sampov and Pr. Saman Teng, Pr. Kok Ac Chring and Pr. Kok Mon, Pr. Ta Muan and Pr. Thamo, and Pr. Ban Bu and Pr. Non Kong. Fine-grained red sandstone, white siliceous sandstone, red siliceous sandstone, and gray sandstone were used for the frame material of the openings. The Rb vs. Ti diagram and magnetic susceptibility measurements suggest that the fine-grained red sandstone and siliceous white sandstone used in the “Resthouses” in Thailand were likely sourced from the Khok Kruat Formation and the Phu Phan Formation, respectively. However, the red siliceous sandstone and white siliceous sandstone used in the “Resthouses” in Cambodia are presumed to have been sourced from the Sao Khua Formation and the Phra Wihan Formation, respectively. Gray sandstone from the Phu Kradung Formation was uniquely used in the frame material of the openings of Pr. Sampov and Pr. Kok Mon in Cambodia. In conclusion, the sandstone used in the door and window frames of the “Resthouses” appears to have been determined by the surrounding geology. Laterite was used as the primary building material for the “Resthouses” along the Northwest Royal Road, whereas valuable sandstone was used for those along the East Royal Road. This suggests that the Northwest Royal Road was of lesser importance compared to the East Royal Road. Full article

While the concept of a ‘buffer zone’ is clear and well defined, the role of the buffer zone is vague, especially because a buffer zone—if any—can take on very different sizes and shapes, while their status in terms of protection and rules is very different locally. In this article, we focus on buffer zones in an urban context and explore if these buffer zones have some tourism dedication. The latter is particularly interesting since many urban World Heritage sites suffer from over-tourism. With this, we enter the field of policy, management and governance. Therefore, we analyzed three urban World Heritage sites in Belgium and commented occasionally on two more using text analysis (application and policy documents) as well as interviews (11) of interviewees that are representative of governance and expert groups. The results reveal enormous complexity because buffer zones are considered a must in the application without being well thought-out and therefore suboptimal in terms of policy and management. Streamlining the significance of buffer zones by UNESCO as well as bridging the gap between heritage conservation and tourism on a policy level can prevent the agendas of different stakeholder groups and policy fragmentation from hollowing out its potential. Full article

In March 2022, an auction house in Zurich sold two female figurines made from mammoth ivory, along with other prehistoric artefacts. This is a rare occurrence because the scarcity and value of Paleolithic figurines have limited their presence in the international art market. Researchers from the Archaeological Museum Hamburg and the University of Tübingen subsequently undertook in situ and non-destructive investigations to illuminate the authenticity of the two figurines. We conducted a comprehensive analytical study that included detailed microscopic optical observations and spectroscopic investigations. This methodological approach, combined with a thorough comparison to contemporary ivory figurine replicas, proved effective and clearly demonstrated that the specimens were forgeries. Research efforts of this kind are crucial, as they significantly help reduce the spread of intentional fakes posing as genuine artefacts in the art market. By doing so, we foster collaboration between academic institutions and the art market to preserve and protect the integrity and value of authentic archaeological and cultural heritage. Full article

Romania’s wooden churches, numbering over 1400, represent a unique and valuable cultural heritage. However, their preservation faces challenges due to degradation and insufficient documentation regarding their condition and significance. This paper presents innovative approaches to documenting these monuments using two representative online platforms. The “Biserici Înlemnite” platform focuses on inventorying wooden churches through a systematic methodology, while the 3D-VIMM platform provides a multimodal imaging and 3D data visualization solution aimed at creating digital twins for heritage assets. Advanced technologies, such as 3D digitization and Historical Building Information Modeling (H-BIM), enhance accessibility and precision in conservation planning. While H-BIM traditionally requires complex workflows, the 3D-VIMM platform simplifies the process by integrating diverse imaging techniques—visible, thermal, multispectral—and metadata within an intuitive interface. This enables interdisciplinary collaboration among historians, architects, conservators, and engineers. A case study from Arad County illustrates a possible path to the integration of these platforms, highlighting their potential to optimize data collection, prioritize interventions, and support long-term preservation strategies. The article underscores the importance of transdisciplinary methodologies in addressing the critical state of Romania’s wooden churches and provides insights into scalable solutions for heritage documentation and conservation. Full article

This paper examines the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and neuroaesthetic methodologies in archaeology, museum collections and art history. It introduces the concept of the AI multiverse, which allows archaeologists and social scientists to construct multiple plausible reconstructions of ancient environments and cultural practices, addressing the inherent uncertainties in archaeological data. Generative AI tools create simulations and visualizations that redefine traditional archaeological frameworks by incorporating multivocal and dynamic interpretations. The study also integrates visual thinking strategies (VTSs), eye tracking and saliency map analyses to investigate how structured observation enhances cognitive and emotional engagement with visual artifacts. A case study involving the painting My Mother, She Fell From the Sky highlights the impact of VTS on guiding viewers’ gaze and improving interpretive depth, as evidenced by heatmaps and saliency distribution. Full article

This field statement reviews the sources, issues, approaches, and missions of Dunhuang architectural studies from 1926 to the present. The studies of Dunhuang architecture constitute a subfield at the intersection of Dunhuang studies, Silk Road archaeology, and studies of Chinese architectural history. Dunhuang architectural studies primarily investigate three corpses of materials, i.e., the images of architecture represented in mural paintings, the cave typology, and the timber-framed façade screening the caves. This study outlines the three phases in which scholarly concerns evolved from images to their material carriers, from forms to spaces, and from disciplinary to interdisciplinary. The first phase, 1926–1950, features Chinese, Japanese, and German scholars’ early explorations of the images of architecture, mostly based on photographic reproductions of murals and timber façades. They established connections between the Dunhuang materials and the modern studies of art and architectural histories. In the second phase, 1950–2000, scholars, mainly Chinese, explored the majority of the primary materials and managed to establish a research framework for research that is still valid today. Some others conducted refreshing studies from the perspective of spatial conception. The third phase, from 2001 to the present, witnesses the emergence of new materials, perspectives, and technologies, which stimulate interdisciplinary and innovative studies of the Dunhuang materials. Finally, this review reflects on the received conceptions the field has brought us to consider the architecture of a Dunhuang cave temple and points out issues of space for future investigations. Full article

The preservation of paleontological heritage is relevant for paleobiological and geological research, as well as for scientific dissemination. Fossils are indicative of the evolutionary processes, biodiversity, ecology, and geography of the past and require specific geoconservation actions. In Italy, fossils are protected as cultural heritage, and their unauthorized collection and trading are counteracted by a regulatory framework. The local superintendence and law enforcement provide control over the territory, often resorting to the expertise of university paleontologists. In the Calabria region (southern Italy), the collaboration among institutions is yielding interesting results in research, preservation, and public awareness of paleontological heritage. This paper highlights the different approaches to the conservation and promotion of fossils by three museums in Calabria. At the National Archeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, fossils are included in the Prehistory section. The history of life on Earth, with a focus on regional paleontology, characterizes the Museum of the University of Calabria. The Civic Museum of Ricadi exhibits local fossils. Collaboration among these museums and their institutional referents contributes to public awareness and scientific understanding of paleontological heritage, reinforcing the need for conservation and promotion strategies. Full article

The transition of Sketchfab, a widely used platform for hosting and sharing 3D cultural heritage content, to Epic Games’ Fab marketplace has raised concerns within the cultural heritage community about the potential loss of years of work and thousands of 3D models, highlighting the risks of relying on commercial solutions for preservation and dissemination. This shift, together with the unprecedented investments by the European Commission on infrastructures for digitised heritage, present a critical opportunity to restart conversations about the future of 3D scholarship and infrastructures for cultural heritage. Using a mixed-methods approach, this paper analyses data from a literature review, two surveys, a focus group, and community responses to Sketchfab’s announced changes. Our findings reveal critical user requirements, including robust metadata and paradata for transparency, advanced analytical tools for scholarly use, flexible annotation systems, mechanisms for ownership, licensing, and citation, as well as community features for fostering engagement and recognition. This paper proposes models and key features for a new infrastructure and concludes by calling for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to develop a system that will ensure that 3D cultural heritage remains accessible, reusable, and meaningful in an ever-changing technological landscape. Full article

This study aims to enhance natural heritage through detailed monitoring aimed at evaluating ongoing environmental dynamics and anthropic impacts on fragile coastal ecosystems, with particular attention to dune ecosystems and back-dune ponds in Southern Italy. The integration of remote sensing technologies, such as thermal cameras and geospatial data, has made it possible to identify underground water sources that are useful for characterizing and monitoring the water regime of the targeted area. Through modelling software, different methods of assessing the environmental state, aimed at identifying the best sustainable practices that can be implemented in these fragile ecosystems, are also proposed. The presented multidisciplinary approach demonstrates how science and technology can support the sustainable management of protected areas, with positive implications for environmental protection and local development, and the adoption of best practices, inspired by international models, that can promote the conservation of biodiversity and the valorization of historical heritage. Full article

Ancient stone masonry is a composite structure, mainly comprised of stone elements. During restoration, stone elements are sometimes found to present serious fragmentation, and their structural continuity must be re-established. In such cases, an adhesive material can be applied to reattach the detached fragment to its original position, with or without the use of pins or anchors, according to the size of the fragment and its position. However, many considerations must be taken into account regarding compatibility with the ancient material and the performance and longevity of the intervention. In the current study, a series of pastes are designed for the reattachment of stone fragments, with and without the concurrent use of titanium pins, aiming to re-establish the continuity of the porous stone elements of the Acropolis circuit wall. The designed pastes are examined in terms of physical and mechanical characteristics and assessed in relation to their compatibility with the original stone material, while their effectiveness as adhesive and/or anchoring materials is evaluated through a real-time and -scale pilot application on site at the Acropolis monument work site using fragments of the original ancient stone material. The natural lime–metakaolin paste presents the optimum results as an adhesive and anchoring material. Full article

This article describes the Heritage Sustainability Index (HSI), a benchmarking tool that draws on a series of key indicators to rate company actions as they relate to the protection of cultural heritage. The purpose of the HSI is to provide an independent framework for lenders, borrowers, and civil society, including Indigenous Peoples, to evaluate corporate safeguard policies and practices related to cultural heritage, enabling informed decision making. Given their importance and influence, the HSI focuses on the practices of Global Systemically Important Banks (G-SIBs), which were chosen to represent a baseline for comparison across all industry sectors. The HSI’s indicators (n = 12) and sub-indicators (n = 48) were successful in illustrating the variability that exists among the G-SIBs. Corporations with an HSI value below the upper quartile of the distribution should take steps to enhance their cultural heritage safeguard practices. This is crucial because scores below this value reflect weak practices, indicating higher financial and reputational risk exposures and poor outcomes for cultural heritage. By focusing on improving their HSI values, these corporations can better mitigate potential risks and enhance their overall sustainability profile. The success and longevity of the HSI will depend on industry goodwill and the perceived risk that cultural heritage poses to corporate financial performance and reputation. Given the potential financial and reputational damage from a significant failure in cultural heritage stewardship, corporations are expected to recognize these advantages and find it an easy decision to support the adoption of the HSI. Full article

Human communication has long relied on visual media for interaction, and is facilitated by electronic devices that access visual data. Traditionally, this exchange was unidirectional, constrained to text-based queries. However, advancements in human–computer interaction have introduced technologies like reverse image search and large language models (LLMs), enabling both textual and visual queries. These innovations are particularly valuable in Cultural Heritage applications, such as connecting tourists with point-of-interest recognition systems during city visits. This paper investigates the use of various Vision Language Models (VLMs) for Cultural Heritage visual question aswering, including Bing’s search engine with GPT-4 and open models such as Qwen2-VL and Pixtral. Twenty Italian landmarks were selected for the study, including the Colosseum, Milan Cathedral, and Michelangelo’s David. For each landmark, two images were chosen: one from Wikipedia and another from a scientific database or private collection. These images were input into each VLM with textual queries regarding their content. We studied the quality of the responses in terms of their completeness, assessing the impact of various levels of detail in the queries. Additionally, we explored the effect of language (English vs. Italian) on the models’ ability to provide accurate answers. Our findings indicate that larger models, such as Qwen2-VL and Bing+ChatGPT-4, which are trained on multilingual datasets, perform better in both English and Italian. Iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Florence’s Duomo are easily recognized, and providing context (e.g., the city) improves identification accuracy. Surprisingly, the Wikimedia dataset did not perform as expected, with varying results across models. Open models like Qwen2-VL, which can run on consumer workstations, showed performance similar to larger models. While the algorithms demonstrated strong results, they also generated occasional hallucinated responses, highlighting the need for ongoing refinement of AI systems for Cultural Heritage applications. Full article

This work illustrates the results of an archaeometric investigation performed on 29 stone tesserae collected from 2021 to 2024 during the restoration campaigns of three mosaic floors at Praedia Iuliae Felicis in Pompeii (Campania, Italy). The tesserae were studied through a micro-analytical approach using Polarized Optical Microscopy (POM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and Electron Probe Micro-Analyzer with Wavelength-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EPMA-WDS). The aim of the study was to determine the petro-chemical features of the mosaic tesserae and to obtain information about the provenance of the raw materials. The research highlights the use of different types of stone, such as volcanic and sedimentary, of probable local provenance. A single marble tessera was also recognized. In addition, the archaeometric study allowed a better knowledge of the executive technique and contributed to orienting the technical choices of the restoration. Indeed, a complementary study of conservation state of the three mosaic floors was conducted with the aim of better defining strategies for conservation and restoration, paying attention to the compatibility and to the interaction of the restoration products with the characteristics of the raw materials. Full article

Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) is the application of BIM, a digital information management and 3D modelling technique, to cultural heritage (CH) assets. It will assist with the ongoing sustainable management of CH in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (i.e., SDG 11 and SDG 13) by providing an enduring record of asset information and enabling the energy-efficient use and adaption of assets. However, the application of HBIM is currently limited by a lack of defined end-user requirements and standard methodology in its application. This paper is the second piece in a series of works where the authors adopted a systems thinking approach, utilising both the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and hard systems engineering (SE), for the development of HBIM. This paper presents the results of an extensive survey undertaken with the UK Heritage Community. It validates forty-one previously proposed information requirements, identifies a further twenty new information requirements for HBIM, and utilises the SE process to define thirty-three system requirements for HBIM according to the end user. Full article

This Special Issue brings the Indigenous American lacquer community together, building bridges and overcoming the existing geographical and language obstacles. With dual-language (English and Spanish) articles focusing on barniz de Pasto and mopa mopa, Mexican lacquer (or maque) and cumatê, this collection includes contributions covering a number of disciplines. This volume is a ‘go-to’ research resource encompassing scientific and historical reviews, case studies, articles focusing on sociological and anthropological perspectives, and on cross-cultural contact and exchanges between Asia, Europe and the ‘New World’. The approach used to compile this Special Issue goes beyond European and North American perspectives, and includes voices that represent the genesis and context of Indigenous American lacquer objects more faithfully and objectively. Full article

Edge detection is essential for numerous applications in various engineering and scientific fields, including photogrammetry and computer vision. Edge detection can be applied to a variety of 2D and 3D data types, enabling tasks like feature extraction, object recognition and scene reconstruction. Currently, 2D edge detection in image data can achieve high accuracy through various automated methods. At the same time, edge detection in 3D space remains a challenge due to the computational demands and parameterization of existing algorithms. However, with the growing volume of data, the need for automated edge extraction that delivers high accuracy and reliable performance across diverse datasets has become more critical than ever. In this context, we propose an algorithm that implements a direct method for automated 3D edge detection in point clouds. The suggested method significantly aids architects by automating the extraction of 3D vectors, a process that is traditionally time-consuming and labor-intensive when performed manually. The proposed algorithm performs edge detection through a five-stage pipeline. More specifically, it utilizes the differences in the direction of normal vectors to identify finite edges. These edges are afterwards refined and grouped into segments which are then fitted to highlight the presence of 3D edges. The proposed approach was tested on both simulated and real-world data with promising results in terms of accuracy. For the synthetic data, the proposed method managed to detect 92% of the straight edges for the higher density meshes. Full article

Heritage education has been marked over the years using expository methodologies, as well as by a heritage education that hardly considers intangible assets. In the face of these limitations, there are continuous calls for a transformation of heritage education, which requires significant changes in teacher training. This transformation requires the incorporation of active methodologies that increase student participation, stimulate their interest and facilitate the understanding of heritage from an integrative perspective. In this context, the results of a didactic intervention that implements a role-playing strategy with teachers in training are presented. The objective is to validate the potential of this didactic strategy in heritage education. Specifically, the activity addresses the current social problems related to the loss of traditional crafts, as a representative part of intangible heritage. For this purpose, five situations were selected for the students to represent after a group research process: old Mesta cattle breeders, cork extractors, charcoal burners, the problem of large landowners and the possibilities of rural tourism for the knowledge of intangible heritage. Eighty-seven interviews were conducted to learn about their perception of the methodology. The results show that role-playing is an effective strategy for learning about heritage. It proved to be a motivating and effective strategy for understanding complex historical issues, as well as for developing the capacity for reflection and critical thinking. Full article

Old Cairo, also known as Islamic Cairo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing a rich tapestry of history and culture. Today, among various significant aspects, its cultural heritage necessitates the elaboration of a proactive conservation strategy, which should take advantage of the intrinsic support provided by the efforts documented in the literature that have been made in several scientific fields, disciplines, and directions over the years. Most historic religious monumental buildings in Old Cairo, in particular, not only face the effects of local seismic hazards, which are emphasized by damage by past earthquakes, but also suffer the consequences of several influencing parameters that are unique to the Cairo city context. In this sense, it is known that the structural retrofitting of these monumental buildings requires sound knowledge of technical details and criticalities, based on inspections, numerical simulations, the in-field integration of technologies, and laboratory tests. Many other gaps should also be addressed, and a sound conservation strategy should be elaborated on the basis of a multi-target approach, which could account for the structural engineering perspective but also contextualize the retrofit within the state of the art and the evolution of past events. This is the target of the contemporary “Particular Relevance” bilateral Italy–Egypt “CoReng” project, seeking to define a multidisciplinary strategy for conserving Old Cairo’s cultural heritage and focusing primarily on the case study of the Religions Complex. To this end, a review analysis of major oversights and challenges relating to historic monuments in Old Cairo is presented in this paper. Learning from past accidents and experiences is, in fact, the primary supporting basis for elaborating new operational steps and efficient approaches to mitigating challenges and minimizing the consequences of emergency events. As such, this review contribution specifically focuses on the structural vulnerability of historic monumental buildings in Old Cairo, reporting on past efforts, past strategy proposals, research experiences, and trends. Full article

Reducing the energy consumption of the existing building stock is of paramount importance in the race to reach national and international climate goals. While multiple initiatives are in place and provide guidance, heritage-protected buildings are often not part of the equation. Protected buildings make up a large share of the existing building stock and therefore offer large savings potential. In Trondheim, Norway, alone, that share is close to 10%, which demands the establishment of representative retrofitting cases. A case study of the central buildings on the NTNU campus was established to specifically test passive retrofitting measures, which are greatly affected by heritage protection. The application of measures selected in collaboration with heritage authorities led to overall energy savings of 16% to 18%, while the energy for heating alone was reduced by 34% to 40%. The reductions were especially prominent during cold winter months, where overall consumption peaks were reduced by up to 37%, greatly decreasing the dependence on cold outdoor temperatures. The results make a case for the application of passive retrofitting measures to heritage-protected buildings despite them not reaching deep energy retrofitting goals, especially in cold climates and alongside other energy-saving or -producing measures. Full article

In October 2021, a mural painting was discovered in the crypt of Parma Cathedral (Italy). It was covered by a wall, erasing it form historical memory. The painting, presumably from the 15th–16th century, depicts the Madonna and Child enthroned in the center, between Saints Peter and John. Before the restoration project, investigations were conducted with different techniques to identify the pigments and binders used, the nature of the surface finish and the efflorescence. Micro-Raman spectroscopy detected numerous pigments compatible with the presumed age. An interesting result concerns the presence of crocoite (lead chromate), an unusual and rare pigment for this period. These pigments were confirmed through investigation by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled to Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT–IR) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS) were used to identify the binder and the type of wax used in the finish layer. The rather widespread presence of egg, used to spread the paint, allows us to affirm that this mural painting was created as a fresco, with substantial parts a secco. Full article

Clothing is a social product that represents both individual and collective manifestations of identity, functioning as a system of signs. This study examines the relationship between fashion and resilience as factors driving changes in the traditional folk costume of Romanian women from Rupea, Brașov County, from the late 19th century to the present. The research is based on semi-structured interviews with locals and enhanced by photo elicitation and participant observation, where the authors served as community insiders. The study first describes the local folk costume’s main distinguishing features, which locals use as indicators of community status. Next, it analyzes the transformations of the folk costume and their sources, including fashion, which facilitated the adoption of external influences based on their association with prestige, and resilient responses to challenges during the period under investigation. The research also demonstrates how Rupea’s Romanian residents managed to preserve and capitalize on the folk costume and community traditions after the Communist Party’s rise to power in Romania. These transformations in folk costume did not diminish its function as a system of signs. The preservation of its significance and traditions demonstrates cultural resilience in an urban environment and supports the role of local communities in sustainably managing intangible cultural heritage resources. Full article

A colonial feather insignia from New Spain dating to the late 16th century is one of a group of seven unique feather objects kept in museums in Austria, Germany, and Mexico. The insignia represents a highly skilled example of a featherworking tradition documented in historical sources such as the Florentine Codex. In order to make a replica for the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City (MNA), an interdisciplinary team carried out technical and material studies before preparing the necessary raw material. At the centre of this work are bird feathers dyed with organic dye and naturally coloured feathers that cover most of the insignia’s surface. By working with historical documents, artisans, reference collections of bird skin, and the application of multiband imaging (MBI) and fibre optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS), it was possible to identify both the bird species and the organic dye used or naturally presented in the feathers. Dyeing experiments to colour-match the different shades of red were conducted by applying traditional recipes and materials. The true value of this research is not necessarily in the finished product or outcome but in the journey itself—specifically in the methods developed and the practical experience gained along the way. Full article

Defining groups of ceramic objects from archaeological excavations is a crucial and primary practice in the study of settlements, providing information related to ceramic technology, provenance, and interactions, among others. This process begins with a macroscopic analysis of each fragment, identifying common features to define ceramic fabrics. Regularly, this procedure requires further analytical techniques to refine the attribution of each ceramic object to the corresponding fabric. The Early Neolithic site of Vale Pincel I in Sines, Portugal, dates to the second and third quarters of the sixth millennium BC. The earliest examples of ceramica impressa, described by patterned impressions on the surface (impresso pottery), in Portugal were found here. These artifacts are indicative of the Western Mediterranean Basin cycle pre-Cardial ceramic tradition. From the numerous Neolithic ceramic fragments discovered at Vale Pincel I, archaeologists identified 42 fragments, categorizing them into 2 main groups (A and B) through visual analysis, while a third group (C) remained unclassified. Group A, thick ceramic body with reddish hues and very friable surfaces; Group B, thin ceramic body with greyish to black shades and a cohesive appearance. With the aim to resolve the classification of group C ceramics, this study uses a multi-analytical methodology, combining Optical Microscopy (OM), Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (WD-XRF), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Integrating the analytical data with previously obtained archaeological information, Group C fragments were attributed to Groups A and B, demonstrating the absence of a distinct third group in Vale Pincel I, highlighting the effectiveness of analytical techniques in ceramic studies, and contributing to a deeper understanding of Neolithic ceramic technology in the Western Mediterranean Basin. Full article

The preservation of natural heritage is a global concern nowadays, which is equally important for climate resilience and for sustainable resource use. The present research is focused on assessing the trends of natural landscape changes, such as forests, meadows, and pastures, and the preservation of locally kept traditional livestock, and plant varieties as indicators of biodiversity, in the countries of the European Union between 2012 and 2021, using secondary data. The research methodology was a panel analysis according to the Linear Mixed Model method. The results show that while larger areas allocated to agriculture generally enhance plant biodiversity, they have the opposite effect on the number of local livestock breeds. The spreading of organic farming enhances the preservation of local livestock breeds, while the spreading of forest areas is beneficial for plant biodiversity. The share of permanent meadows and pastures increases with increasing agricultural areas, and this also affects plant biodiversity positively. All biodiversity indicators increased during the analyzed period, as did well as the size of forest areas and, permanent meadows and pastures, which reflects the improvement in natural heritage and the enhancement of environmental protection awareness with time. The differences among countries show, that highly developed agriculture does not mean better preservation of natural heritage, nor the opposite, as ecological conditions and agricultural history may influence the natural vegetation and biodiversity. The protection of natural heritage in Europe differs from the rest of the world, as recent agricultural policy of the EU emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability. The promotion of low-input use in agriculture, however, may be in conflict with the globally increasing demand for food. Full article