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Heritage, Volume 8, Issue 7 (July 2025) – 48 articles

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16 pages, 5349 KiB  
Article
In the Likeness of a God: The Non-Invasive Investigation of Animal Votives
by Lidija McKnight
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070286 (registering DOI) - 17 Jul 2025
Abstract
Radiography, favoured for its ability to provide a non-invasive insight into the contents of wrapped or coffined artefacts, has revolutionised the study of mummified human and animal remains. Despite this potential, the technology is limited by its capacity to realistically visualise the surface [...] Read more.
Radiography, favoured for its ability to provide a non-invasive insight into the contents of wrapped or coffined artefacts, has revolutionised the study of mummified human and animal remains. Despite this potential, the technology is limited by its capacity to realistically visualise the surface attributes of these often-complex artefacts. In this paper, photogrammetry—a technique widely used in archaeology and heritage applications—is applied to build upon the radiographic investigation of six ancient Egyptian votive artefacts from Manchester Museum; a study which combines the two techniques for the first time on votive material from the collection. The paper showcases the results gained through clinical radiography techniques (digital X-ray and computed tomography) on the internal contents of the artefacts, highlighting the problems encountered when viewing the outer surface. With a simple on-site photogrammetry protocol, improved visualisation was possible, providing photo-realistic renderings with important potential for both research, conservation and engagement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virtual Anthropology. Digital Approaches for Paleoanthropology and Paleopathology)
24 pages, 2030 KiB  
Article
Vestiges of the Sedimentary Archive of Late Paleolithic Inhumations from San Teodoro Cave: Insights into ST3 Burial and Site Stratigraphy
by Vittorio Garilli and Luca Galletti
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070285 - 17 Jul 2025
Abstract
Studies of prehistoric burials are fundamental for understanding cultural human evolution. Those found in the San Teodoro cave (northeastern Sicily) are significant for the discovery at the turn of the 1930s and 1940s of at least four individuals (ST1–ST4). About 15–16 kyr ago, [...] Read more.
Studies of prehistoric burials are fundamental for understanding cultural human evolution. Those found in the San Teodoro cave (northeastern Sicily) are significant for the discovery at the turn of the 1930s and 1940s of at least four individuals (ST1–ST4). About 15–16 kyr ago, the bodies of ST1–ST4 were intentionally buried, apparently in a manner original to the context of prehistoric burials, namely by covering them with a continuous layer of red ochre found to connect the graves. Since the earliest excavations, plagued by clandestine digging, there is no material memory of the stratigraphic transition from the burial layer to the subsequent anthropogenic deposit through the red ochre, and nothing certain is known about the orientation of ST3, the presence of grave goods and the ochre cover related to this burial. Moreover, there is no exhaustive knowledge of how much is actually left of the anthropogenic layers described in the old literature. Based on field observations and 3D reconstruction of ST3’s skull position and deposits at the San Teodoro site, we provide insights into anthropological issues, such as the rediscovery of the red ochre vestiges that reasonably covered the ST3 burial, and the burial context of this individual, and shed light on what actually remains of the stratigraphic units described in the 1940s. Full article
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22 pages, 587 KiB  
Article
Meaning in the Algorithmic Museum: Towards a Dialectical Modelling Nexus of Virtual Curation
by Huining Guan and Pengbo Chen
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070284 - 17 Jul 2025
Abstract
The rise of algorithm-driven virtual museums presents a philosophical challenge for how cultural meaning is constructed and critiqued in digital curation. Prevailing approaches highlight important but partial aspects: the loss of aura and authenticity in digital reproductions, efforts to maintain semiotic continuity with [...] Read more.
The rise of algorithm-driven virtual museums presents a philosophical challenge for how cultural meaning is constructed and critiqued in digital curation. Prevailing approaches highlight important but partial aspects: the loss of aura and authenticity in digital reproductions, efforts to maintain semiotic continuity with physical exhibits, optimistic narratives of technological democratisation, and critical technopessimist warnings about commodification and bias. Yet none provides a unified theoretical model of meaning-making under algorithmic curation. This paper proposes a dialectical-semiotic framework to synthesise and transcend these positions. The Dialectical Modelling Nexus (DMN) is a new conceptual structure that views meaning in virtual museums as emerging from the dynamic interplay of original and reproduced contexts, human and algorithmic sign systems, personal interpretation, and ideological framing. Through a critique of prior theories and a synthesis of their insights, the DMN offers a comprehensive model to diagnose how algorithms mediate museum content and to guide critical curatorial practice. The framework illuminates the dialectical tensions at the heart of algorithmic cultural mediation and suggests principles for preserving authentic, multi-layered meaning in the digital museum milieu. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Museology and Emerging Technologies in Cultural Heritage)
17 pages, 228 KiB  
Article
Why Are Cultural Rights over Sea Country Less Recognised than Terrestrial Ones?
by Rhetti Hoskins, Gareth Ogilvie, Matthew Storey and Alexandra Hill
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070283 - 16 Jul 2025
Abstract
This article identifies the nature of Traditional Owners’ interests in Sea Country and addresses issues associated with all offshore energy projects—gas and wind. Exploring the impacts of offshore development on First Nations’ cultural heritage, the article proposes integration of free, prior and informed [...] Read more.
This article identifies the nature of Traditional Owners’ interests in Sea Country and addresses issues associated with all offshore energy projects—gas and wind. Exploring the impacts of offshore development on First Nations’ cultural heritage, the article proposes integration of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), into the regulatory and legislative offshore environment. In the Australian context, this particularly regards administrative and regulatory reforms to overcome uncertainty arising from recent decisions in the Federal Court. The international focus on new energy has fast-tracked many processes that sideline First Nations’ rights, hitherto understood within the onshore minerals extraction regimes. The reforms proposed in this article recognise an international commitment to enact the principles contained in the UNDRIP and other relevant international law. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Indigenous Connections to Underwater Heritage in the Contemporary Era)
23 pages, 36129 KiB  
Article
Cudbear and the Colours of the Atlantic Rainforest
by Vanessa Habib
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070281 - 16 Jul 2025
Abstract
The temperate rainforests and their associated coastline in Scotland have long been home to dye-producing plants including lichens, some commercialised and patented by George and Cuthbert Gordon in 1758 as the dye Cudbear. Using merchant records and family correspondence, this paper will shed [...] Read more.
The temperate rainforests and their associated coastline in Scotland have long been home to dye-producing plants including lichens, some commercialised and patented by George and Cuthbert Gordon in 1758 as the dye Cudbear. Using merchant records and family correspondence, this paper will shed new light on the early trade and manufacture of Cudbear and also Cuthbert Gordon’s later investigations into other colour-producing plants undertaken as chemistry and botany emerged as fields of economic opportunity and study in the 18th century. It appears that Cudbear was used for longer and more widely than has previously been supposed and was integrated into known dye practices and used later with synthetic dyes. A rare pattern book of dyed wool flannel samples, held at the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, shows a re-evaluation of indigenous dye plants, especially lichens, in a time of national emergency in 1916. The result of a government initiative during WW1 and produced under laboratory conditions at the University of Glasgow, it is used here to identify some of the colours studied by Cuthbert Gordon of which we have little contemporary record. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dyes in History and Archaeology 43)
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39 pages, 4034 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Modeling and AI-Assisted Contextual Narratives in Digital Heritage Education: Course for Enhancing Design Skill, Cultural Awareness, and User Experience
by Yaojiong Yu and Weifeng Hu
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070280 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 60
Abstract
This study introduces an educational framework that merges 3D modeling with AI-assisted narrative interaction to apply digital technology in cultural heritage education, exemplified by an ancient carriage culture. Through immersive tasks and contextual narratives, the course notably improved learners’ professional skills and cultural [...] Read more.
This study introduces an educational framework that merges 3D modeling with AI-assisted narrative interaction to apply digital technology in cultural heritage education, exemplified by an ancient carriage culture. Through immersive tasks and contextual narratives, the course notably improved learners’ professional skills and cultural awareness. Experimental results revealed significant knowledge acquisition among participants post-engagement. Additionally, the user experience improved, with increased satisfaction in the narrative interaction design course. These enhancements led to heightened interest in cultural heritage and deeper knowledge acquisition. Utilizing Norman’s three-layer interaction model, Ryan’s contextual narrative theory, and Falk and Dierking’s museum learning experience model, the study developed a systematic course for multi-sensory design and contextual interaction, confirming the positive impact of multimodal interaction on learning outcomes. This research provides theoretical support for the digital transformation of cultural education and practical examples for educational practitioners and cultural institutions to implement in virtual presentations and online learning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Heritage Education: Evolving Techniques and Methods)
18 pages, 1314 KiB  
Article
Transforming Our World: The Role of Collections in Education for Sustainable Development
by Mar Gaitán, Alejandra Nieto-Villena, Arabella León, Indra Ramírez and Ester Alba
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070279 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 53
Abstract
The TOWCHED project explores how arts and heritage-based educational methodologies can support sustainable development by enhancing key transversal competencies in learners, particularly children and youth. In response to the global challenges outlined in the sustainable development goals (SDGs), this project promotes inclusive and [...] Read more.
The TOWCHED project explores how arts and heritage-based educational methodologies can support sustainable development by enhancing key transversal competencies in learners, particularly children and youth. In response to the global challenges outlined in the sustainable development goals (SDGs), this project promotes inclusive and participatory approaches to education that foster social cohesion, intercultural understanding, and civic engagement. Partnering with museums, TOWCHED develops cross-curricular pedagogical interventions, such as experiential, blended, and collection-mediated learning, that link cultural heritage with contemporary social and environmental concerns. These approaches aim to strengthen creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and self-awareness. TOWCHED demonstrates that heritage collection-based education can play a vital role in transforming schools and other learning environments into hubs for sustainable, lifelong learning. By embedding cultural expression and heritage into educational practices, the project offers a compelling model for empowering individuals to navigate and shape a more equitable and interconnected world. This paper has two aims. First, we introduce TOWCHED, an interdisciplinary project recently funded by the Horizon Europe program of the European Union to preserve and promote education for sustainability in the heritage context. Second, we introduce a set of tools related to the project. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Heritage Education: Evolving Techniques and Methods)
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25 pages, 15328 KiB  
Article
Mould Growth Risk for Internal Retrofit Insulation of Heritage-Protected Timber Plank Frame Walls
by Martha Eilertsen Harberg, Silje Kathrin Asphaug and Tore Kvande
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070278 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 79
Abstract
A wave of energy efficiency-focused activity has spread across Europe in recent years, with ambitious goals for improving the energy performance of existing buildings through various directives. Among these existing buildings, there are older structures with heritage-protected facades. Some of the protected facades [...] Read more.
A wave of energy efficiency-focused activity has spread across Europe in recent years, with ambitious goals for improving the energy performance of existing buildings through various directives. Among these existing buildings, there are older structures with heritage-protected facades. Some of the protected facades consist of timber plank frame walls, which were common in Norway in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Internal insulation is an option for increasing the energy efficiency of such walls while preserving their protected facades. However, this approach alters the moisture performance of the wall and introduces a potential risk for mould growth, which must be assessed. To better understand the performance of these walls, the sd values of traditional types of building paper have been tested, as timber plank frame walls comprise vertical planks covered in building paper. In addition, the risk of mould growth in timber plank frame walls has been evaluated using the one-dimensional simulation tool WUFI® Pro by modelling the wall with internal retrofitting and varying input parameters. The types of building paper used have a wide range of vapour resistance values (diffusion-equivalent air layer thicknesses, sd values), which range from 0.008 m to 5.293 m. Adding 50 mm of interior insulation generally resulted in a low risk of mould growth, except in cases involving the use of a moisture-adaptive vapour barrier (MAVB). The MAVB did not result in an acceptable mould growth risk in any of the tested scenarios. Full article
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34 pages, 12566 KiB  
Article
Reshaping Museum Experiences with AI: The ReInHerit Toolkit
by Paolo Mazzanti, Andrea Ferracani, Marco Bertini and Filippo Principi
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070277 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 81
Abstract
This paper presents the ReInHerit Toolkit, a collection of open-source interactive applications developed as part of the H2020 ReInHerit project. Informed by extensive surveys and focus groups with cultural professionals across Europe, the toolkit addresses key needs in the heritage sector by leveraging [...] Read more.
This paper presents the ReInHerit Toolkit, a collection of open-source interactive applications developed as part of the H2020 ReInHerit project. Informed by extensive surveys and focus groups with cultural professionals across Europe, the toolkit addresses key needs in the heritage sector by leveraging computer vision and artificial intelligence to enrich museum experiences through engaging, personalized interactions that enhance visitor learning. Designed to bridge the technology gap between larger institutions and smaller organizations, the ReInHerit Toolkit also promotes a sustainable, people-centered approach to digital innovation, supported by shared resources, training, and collaborative development opportunities accessible through the project’s Digital Hub. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multisensory Museums: Richer Experiences, Inclusivity and Accessibility to Cultural Heritage)
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29 pages, 7061 KiB  
Article
Does Water Cleaning Mitigate Atmospheric Degradation of Unstable Heritage Glass? An Experimental Study on Glass Models
by Thalie Law, Odile Majérus, Marie Godet, Mélanie Moskura, Thibault Charpentier, Antoine Seyeux and Daniel Caurant
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070276 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 187
Abstract
Glass curators often question how their treatments affect the long-term stability of historical glass. While damp cotton swabs are commonly used to remove surface salts and dust, the use of water remains controversial, particularly for heavily altered glass, due to concerns about worsening [...] Read more.
Glass curators often question how their treatments affect the long-term stability of historical glass. While damp cotton swabs are commonly used to remove surface salts and dust, the use of water remains controversial, particularly for heavily altered glass, due to concerns about worsening hydration. This study investigates the effect of water rinsing on an unstable soda-lime glass altered for six months (monoliths) and fifteen months (powders) at 35 °C and 85% relative humidity. Samples were then rinsed with Milli-Q water at 20 °C or 50 °C, and the monolithic glass was subsequently subjected to an additional 15 months of alteration under the same conditions. The glass surface was characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as Raman spectroscopy to identify the nature of the salts. The evolution of the hydrated layer was assessed using transmission FTIR, Raman and solid-state NMR spectroscopies, ToF-SIMS, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that rinsing effectively removes surface salts—primarily sodium carbonate—and induces structural changes in the hydrated layer, promoting silicate network polymerization. Upon resuming alteration, rinsed monolithic samples exhibit no further degradation after the additional 15 months of alteration. These findings offer promising insights for conservation practices and may help curators refining their treatment strategies for altered glass. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Conservation of Glass in Heritage Science)
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29 pages, 1042 KiB  
Article
Mapping Geoethical Awareness and Unveiling Environmental Engagement Profiles of Residents in Hellenic UNESCO Global Geoparks: A Quantitative Survey
by Alexandros Aristotelis Koupatsiaris and Hara Drinia
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070275 - 13 Jul 2025
Viewed by 245
Abstract
Geoethics emphasizes responsible human interaction with the Earth, promoting ethical practices in the geosciences to ensure sustainability for current and future generations. UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) are designated areas that support sustainable development by integrating geoconservation, geoeducation, and community engagement, thereby raising awareness [...] Read more.
Geoethics emphasizes responsible human interaction with the Earth, promoting ethical practices in the geosciences to ensure sustainability for current and future generations. UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) are designated areas that support sustainable development by integrating geoconservation, geoeducation, and community engagement, thereby raising awareness of geological heritage. This quantitative study employed an online questionnaire (n = 798) to assess geoethical awareness among residents of all nine Hellenic UGGps, with the aim of profiling environmental engagement and perceptions. The results indicate a generally high level of geoethical awareness, with Sitia UGGp exhibiting the highest average mean score (M− = 8.98, SD− = 1.34), reflecting strong community support and effective outreach efforts. In contrast, Lavreotiki UGGp (M− = 8.48, SD− = 1.15) and Psiloritis UGGp (M− = 8.33, SD− = 1.36) scored lower in areas such as community engagement and geotourism, suggesting opportunities for targeted improvement. Regional differences suggest that management, visibility, and local context significantly influence public perceptions. Cluster analysis identified four respondent profiles: (a) highly engaged environmental stewards (28.7%), (b) supportive but selective advocates (40.5%), (c) moderately indifferent participants (26.9%), and (d) disengaged or critical respondents (3.9%). Demographic factors such as age, residence, prior visits to Hellenic UGGps, and education significantly differentiated these groups. Mapping geoethical awareness provides a valuable tool for assessing societal benefits and enhancing the governance of UGGps. Overall, the findings underscore the need to shift from an anthropocentric to a more geocentric worldview that prioritizes the well-being of both humanity and Earth’s systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geoheritage and Geo-Conservation)
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18 pages, 980 KiB  
Article
Perspectives on Amplifying Participation in Museums Through Global Digital Citizenship
by Ann Borda and Jonathan P. Bowen
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 274; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070274 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 267
Abstract
In this paper, we consider the concept of global digital citizenship, particularly as it applies to museums and cultural heritage sectors. In this perspective survey study, we explore current examples of how museums can adjust to the tenets of global digital citizenship that [...] Read more.
In this paper, we consider the concept of global digital citizenship, particularly as it applies to museums and cultural heritage sectors. In this perspective survey study, we explore current examples of how museums can adjust to the tenets of global digital citizenship that are necessary to navigate and participate in increasingly interconnected digital worlds and to collectively address global challenges. This paper provides a qualitative survey and discussion covering issues concerning open foundations, knowledge co-creation, digital equity and inclusion, and participatory innovation. In conclusion, there are untapped opportunities for museums (e.g., through audience participation and digital tools, especially with recent developments in artificial intelligence), but also constraints that must be considered (e.g., lack of funding, digital inequality, and ethical issues related to the use of AI). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Museum and Heritage)
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25 pages, 4179 KiB  
Article
A Reflection on the Conservation of Waterlogged Wood: Do Original Artefacts Truly Belong in Public Museum Collections?
by Miran Erič, David Stopar, Enej Guček Puhar, Lidija Korat Bensa, Nuša Saje, Aleš Jaklič and Franc Solina
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070273 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 230
Abstract
The last decade has seen a transformative advancement in computational technologies, enabling the precise creation, evaluation, visualization, and reproduction of high-fidelity three-dimensional (3D) models of archaeological sites and artefacts. With the advent of 3D printing, both small- and large-scale objects can now be [...] Read more.
The last decade has seen a transformative advancement in computational technologies, enabling the precise creation, evaluation, visualization, and reproduction of high-fidelity three-dimensional (3D) models of archaeological sites and artefacts. With the advent of 3D printing, both small- and large-scale objects can now be reproduced with remarkable accuracy and at customizable scales. Artefacts composed of organic materials—such as wood—are inherently susceptible to biological degradation and thus require extensive, long-term conservation employing costly methodologies. These procedures often raise environmental concerns and lead to irreversible alterations in the wood’s chemical composition, dimensional properties, and the intangible essence of the original artefact. In the context of public education and the dissemination of knowledge about historical technologies and objects, 3D replicas can effectively fulfill the same purpose as original artefacts, without compromising interpretative value or cultural significance. Furthermore, the digital data embedded in 3D surface and object models provides a wealth of supplementary information that cannot be captured, preserved, or documented through conventional techniques. Waterlogged wooden objects can now be thoroughly documented in 3D, enabling ongoing, non-invasive scientific analysis. Given these capabilities, it is imperative to revisit the philosophical and ethical foundations of preserving waterlogged wood and to adopt innovative strategies for the conservation and presentation of wooden artefacts. These new paradigms can serve educational, research, and outreach purposes—core functions of contemporary museums. Full article
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13 pages, 2944 KiB  
Article
Milking the Orchil: How the Presence of Goat Milk in the Orchil Dyebath May Affect the Color of Dyed Wool
by Isabella Whitworth, Victor J. Chen and Gregory D. Smith
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070272 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 216
Abstract
Among the craft recipes for artisans collected in the 4th-century Egyptian documents the Leyden and Stockholm papyri, there is one calling for adding animal milk to orchil for wool dyeing. To understand the rationale for this practice, wool yarns were dyed with and [...] Read more.
Among the craft recipes for artisans collected in the 4th-century Egyptian documents the Leyden and Stockholm papyri, there is one calling for adding animal milk to orchil for wool dyeing. To understand the rationale for this practice, wool yarns were dyed with and without goat milk added to orchil dyebaths, each made using lichens from three different sources. The results showed orchil containing milk dyed yarns a noticeably deeper red hue. The colorants extracted from the dyed yarns were analyzed by liquid chromatography-diode-array-detector-mass spectrometry to assess the relative amounts of nine identifiable orceins. The data showed that the yarns dyed with milk gave extracts exhibiting several fold more α-aminoorcein and α-hydroxyorcein, with only small differences in the other seven. Scanning electron microscopic analysis of a representative pair of dyed yarns showed that milk promoted surface changes in the fiber that may indicate increased cutaneous damage. Hypotheses for the milk’s effects on orchil dyeing were proposed that included the formation of milk–protein complexes with the two enriched orceins that possibly enhanced wool binding and/or better wool uptake of free and/or complexed orceins due to biodegradation of the wool’s surface cuticle caused by microbial growth promoted by the addition of milk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dyes in History and Archaeology 43)
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15 pages, 4108 KiB  
Article
A Multidisciplinary Non-Invasive Approach for the Examination of a Wooden Panel Painting
by Georgia T. Varfi, Spyridoula Farmaki, Georgios P. Mastrotheodoros, Dimitrios A. Exarchos, Anastasios Asvestas, Dimitrios F. Anagnostopoulos and Theodore E. Matikas
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070271 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 189
Abstract
In this article, a multidisciplinary methodological approach for studying a wooden panel painting is applied. The theoretical framework, within which this research has arisen, is the application of state-of-the-art non-destructive techniques for addressing issues concerning the constituting parts and composing materials of the [...] Read more.
In this article, a multidisciplinary methodological approach for studying a wooden panel painting is applied. The theoretical framework, within which this research has arisen, is the application of state-of-the-art non-destructive techniques for addressing issues concerning the constituting parts and composing materials of the artwork. Hereby, a post-Byzantine icon was studied, which was dated back to 1836. It is a painting executed on a wooden panel, with a decorated wooden frame attached. The artifact was thoroughly investigated through the application of infrared thermography (IRT), multispectral imaging (MSI), and macroscopic X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (MA-XRF). These analyses provided crucial information about the verso of the painting (i.e., the wooden panel and the frame) and allowed for the revelation of important details of the recto of the painting, which were not visible due to the presence of an old, decayed varnish. Additionally, through the detailed mapping of the distribution of various chemical elements on the recto of the painting and the frame, it was possible to identify the materials used and techniques employed. It is therefore shown that, when combined, the non-destructive methodologies in consideration can provide adequate information referring to the materiality and state of preservation of panel paintings, permitting the conservator to proceed to a tailored conservation treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Cultural Heritage Diagnostics)
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20 pages, 28340 KiB  
Article
Rockfall Hazard Assessment for Natural and Cultural Heritage Site: Close Vicinity of Rumkale (Gaziantep, Türkiye) Using Digital Twins
by Ugur Mursal, Abdullah Onur Ustaoglu, Yasin Baskose, Ilyas Yalcin, Sultan Kocaman and Candan Gokceoglu
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070270 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 300
Abstract
This study presents a digital twin–based framework for assessing rockfall hazards at the immediate vicinity of the Rumkale Archaeological Site, a geologically sensitive and culturally significant location in southeastern Türkiye. Historically associated with early Christianity and strategically located along the Euphrates, Rumkale is [...] Read more.
This study presents a digital twin–based framework for assessing rockfall hazards at the immediate vicinity of the Rumkale Archaeological Site, a geologically sensitive and culturally significant location in southeastern Türkiye. Historically associated with early Christianity and strategically located along the Euphrates, Rumkale is a protected heritage site that attracts increasing numbers of visitors. Here, high-resolution photogrammetric models were generated using imagery acquired from a remotely piloted aircraft system and post-processed with ground control points to produce a spatially accurate 3D digital twin. Field-based geomechanical measurements including discontinuity orientations, joint classifications, and strength parameters were integrated with digital analyses to identify and evaluate hazardous rock blocks. Kinematic assessments conducted in the study revealed susceptibility to planar, wedge, and toppling failures. The results showed the role of lithological structure, active tectonics, and environmental factors in driving slope instability. The proposed methodology demonstrates effective use of digital twin technologies in conjunction with traditional geotechnical techniques, offering a replicable and non-invasive approach for site-scale hazard evaluation and conservation planning in heritage contexts. This work contributes to the advancement of interdisciplinary methods for geohazard-informed management of cultural landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geological Hazards and Heritage Safeguard)
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12 pages, 4524 KiB  
Technical Note
Technical Note: Blue and White Light RTI for Imaging Micro-Features on Glass Surfaces
by Sarah Barack, E. Keats Webb and Jessica Walthew
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070269 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 183
Abstract
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, in partnership with the Museum Conservation Institute, investigated the use of Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) with visible and blue light to assess micro-scale details on glass surfaces. The image sets were captured using a bespoke RTI dome, which [...] Read more.
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, in partnership with the Museum Conservation Institute, investigated the use of Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) with visible and blue light to assess micro-scale details on glass surfaces. The image sets were captured using a bespoke RTI dome, which greatly facilitates the repeatability of the process. Our tests suggest that if conducted with care, this technique allows tracking and comparison across time of the continued deterioration of crizzled glass. This technical note introduces the project, addresses challenges, and discusses results in order to provide guidance to others looking to replicate a similar protocol. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Conservation of Glass in Heritage Science)
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27 pages, 14404 KiB  
Article
The Spatiality of the Vernacular Courtyard House in the Arabian Gulf Region
by Asmaa Saleh AL-Mohannadi and Raffaello Furlan
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070268 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 377
Abstract
In the vernacular architectural history of the Arabian Gulf region (the Gulf), the courtyard house is a common domestic typology. Islamic and sociological precepts regulate the design and the function of vernacular courtyard dwellings, resulting in homogeneity and harmony in the entire urban [...] Read more.
In the vernacular architectural history of the Arabian Gulf region (the Gulf), the courtyard house is a common domestic typology. Islamic and sociological precepts regulate the design and the function of vernacular courtyard dwellings, resulting in homogeneity and harmony in the entire urban fabric of historic settlements. In this research endeavor, the aim is to investigate the degree to which the shaping of the spatial form in a sample of vernacular courtyard houses in the Gulf inscribes socio-cultural factors. It sheds light on visibility graph analysis, human behavior, and the system of activities in the domestic space. As a hypothesis, visibility and connectivity analysis could prove the existence of common spatial patterns among courtyards in the vernacular courtyard houses of the Gulf, attributing it to the similar socio-cultural context, the climatic effect, and the architectural and construction knowledge of the region. This study utilizes a collection of courtyard houses from the Gulf as a pilot study to investigate the emerging patterns in the spatial analysis and room layout, or in the distribution of activities or functions in the domestic space. It, therefore, offers a visual analysis (VGA) of six regional courtyard houses from each Gulf country that were built during the period 1850–1950. This study anticipates an affirmation of a direct inscription of socio-cultural factors in the spatial form of the courtyard house in the Gulf. Conclusively, a sustainable, organic linkage between architecture and society exists where the three criteria of housing spatial form, socio-cultural factors, and system of activities interact. Full article
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14 pages, 814 KiB  
Article
Exploring Cognitive Variability in Interactive Museum Games
by George E. Raptis
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070267 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 205
Abstract
Understanding how cognitive differences shape visitor behavior in digital heritage experiences is essential for designing inclusive and engaging museum technologies. This study explores the relationship between cognitive level and interaction behavior, affective responses, and sensor-based engagement using a publicly available dataset from a [...] Read more.
Understanding how cognitive differences shape visitor behavior in digital heritage experiences is essential for designing inclusive and engaging museum technologies. This study explores the relationship between cognitive level and interaction behavior, affective responses, and sensor-based engagement using a publicly available dataset from a digital museum game. Participants (N = 1000) were categorized into three cognitive levels (Early, Developing, and Advanced), and their data were analyzed across three domains: user interaction behavior, affective and performance states, and sensor-based interaction measures. Our findings suggest that sensor-level interactions are more sensitive indicators of cognitive differences than observable behavior or inferred affect. This work contributes to the heritage HCI field by highlighting the potential for cognitively adaptive systems that personalize the museum experience in real-time, enhancing accessibility, engagement, and learning in cultural settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Digital Heritage)
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21 pages, 1679 KiB  
Article
Image-Based POI Identification for Mobile Museum Guides: Design, Implementation, and User Evaluation
by Bashar Egbariya, Rotem Dror, Tsvi Kuflik and Ilan Shimshoni
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070266 - 6 Jul 2025
Viewed by 154
Abstract
Indoor positioning remains a significant challenge, particularly in environments such as museums, where the installation of specialized positioning infrastructure may be impractical. Recent advances in image processing offer effective and precise methods for object recognition, presenting a viable alternative. This study explores the [...] Read more.
Indoor positioning remains a significant challenge, particularly in environments such as museums, where the installation of specialized positioning infrastructure may be impractical. Recent advances in image processing offer effective and precise methods for object recognition, presenting a viable alternative. This study explores the feasibility of employing real-time image processing techniques for identifying points of interest (POIs) within museum settings. It outlines the ideation, design, development, and evaluation of an image-based POI identification system implemented in a real-world environment. To evaluate the system’s effectiveness, a user study was conducted with regular visitors at the Hecht Museum. The results showed that the algorithm successfully and quickly identified POIs in 97.6% of cases. Additionally, participants completed the System Usability Scale (SUS) and provided open-ended feedback, indicating high satisfaction with the system’s accuracy and speed while also offering suggestions for future improvements. Full article
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33 pages, 20725 KiB  
Article
Data Quality, Semantics, and Classification Features: Assessment and Optimization of Supervised ML-AI Classification Approaches for Historical Heritage
by Valeria Cera, Giuseppe Antuono, Massimiliano Campi and Pierpaolo D’Agostino
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070265 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 214
Abstract
In recent years, automatic segmentation and classification of data from digital surveys have taken a central role in built heritage studies. However, the application of Machine and Deep Learning (ML and DL) techniques for semantic segmentation of point clouds is complex in the [...] Read more.
In recent years, automatic segmentation and classification of data from digital surveys have taken a central role in built heritage studies. However, the application of Machine and Deep Learning (ML and DL) techniques for semantic segmentation of point clouds is complex in the context of historic architecture because it is characterized by high geometric and semantic variability. Data quality, subjectivity in manual labeling, and difficulty in defining consistent categories may compromise the effectiveness and reproducibility of the results. This study analyzes the influence of three key factors—annotator specialization, point cloud density, and sensor type—in the supervised classification of architectural elements by applying the Random Forest (RF) algorithm to datasets related to the architectural typology of the Franciscan cloister. The main innovation of the study lies in the development of an advanced feature selection technique, based on multibeam statistical analysis and evaluation of the p-value of each feature with respect to the target classes. The procedure makes it possible to identify the optimal radius for each feature, maximizing separability between classes and reducing semantic ambiguities. The approach, entirely in Python, automates the process of feature extraction, selection, and application, improving semantic consistency and classification accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Intelligent Digital Heritage: From Latest Digital Survey Techniques to Advanced 3D Data Analytics and Use)
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25 pages, 60202 KiB  
Article
Use of Alkali in Traditional Dyeing Technologies with Plants
by Anete Karlsone and Jorens Kviesis
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070264 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 356
Abstract
Ethnographic sources provide information about several dye plants that produced reddish colors; however, there is no information on how this process is accomplished. Combining information from written sources with the results of dyeing experiments enables a deeper understanding of the dyeing methods employed [...] Read more.
Ethnographic sources provide information about several dye plants that produced reddish colors; however, there is no information on how this process is accomplished. Combining information from written sources with the results of dyeing experiments enables a deeper understanding of the dyeing methods employed in the past. This paper gives insight into the effect of using alkali on obtaining reddish tones in dyeing with Potentilla erecta and Rumex sp. In dyeing experiments, wool yarn was dyed with plant extracts, and the chemical compositions were studied both in plant extracts and in extracts obtained from wool after dyeing. As a result, the red/red-brown color is obtained only under the influence of alkali. Analytical studies of procyanidin (PC) extracts from rhizomes and yarns were performed using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric detection (LC-DAD-MS). Procyanidin extracts of P. erecta and R. acetosa contained monomers identified as (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin, as well as dimeric procyanidins of type-A (m/z 575 [M−H]−) and type-B (m/z 577 [M−H]−), along with various types of trimers (m/z 865 [M−H]−; m/z 863 [M−H]−), which were also isolated from dyed wool yarns with a similar composition. The conducted research on the use of alkali with tannin-containing plants contributes to deepening our understanding of the perception of color that existed in the ancient rural environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dyes in History and Archaeology 43)
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22 pages, 5266 KiB  
Article
Preserving Modern Heritage in the Emirate of Dubai: A Digital Documentation and Semantic HBIM Approach
by Abeer Abu Raed, Wido Quist and Uta Pottgiesser
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070263 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 379
Abstract
The rapid urbanization and technological advancements in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have placed its modern architectural heritage from the 1970s and 1980s at increasing risk of being unrecognized and lost, particularly in Dubai following the discovery of oil. This research addresses the [...] Read more.
The rapid urbanization and technological advancements in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have placed its modern architectural heritage from the 1970s and 1980s at increasing risk of being unrecognized and lost, particularly in Dubai following the discovery of oil. This research addresses the critical need for the documentation and heritage representation of Dubai’s modern heritage, a city undergoing rapid transformation within a globalized urban landscape. Focusing on the Nasser Rashid Lootah Building (Toyota Building), an iconic early 1970s residential high-rise representing the modern architecture of Dubai and a significant milestone in its architectural history, this study explores a replicable and cost-effective approach to digitally document and conserve urban heritage under threat. The existing building was meticulously documented and analyzed to highlight its enduring value within the fast-changing urban fabric. Through the innovative combination of drone photography, ground-based photography, and HBIM, a high-resolution 3D model and a semantically organized HBIM prototype were generated. This research demonstrates a replicable measure for identifying architectural values, understanding modernist design typologies, and raising local community awareness about Dubai’s modern heritage. Ultimately, this study contributes toward developing recognition criteria and guiding efforts in documenting modern high-rise buildings as vital heritage worthy of recognition, documentation, and future conservation in the UAE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic 3D Documentation of Natural and Cultural Heritage)
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13 pages, 1836 KiB  
Article
Cultural Play at a Distance: Post-COVID Serious Heritage Games
by Susannah Emery and Erik Malcolm Champion
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070262 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 262
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges for the Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM) sector, including drastically reduced visitation, constrained funding, and pressure to increase the amount and richness of digital rather than physical interaction. The authors draw upon explorative projects to examine [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges for the Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM) sector, including drastically reduced visitation, constrained funding, and pressure to increase the amount and richness of digital rather than physical interaction. The authors draw upon explorative projects to examine the potential of serious games, augmented and virtual reality, and community-led design to address GLAM sector challenges raised by COVID-19. The initial findings suggest that while digital heritage projects often suffer from limited interactivity and accessibility, participatory game design and low-cost XR (extended reality) tools can enhance engagement and learning. The article concludes that open-ended, collaborative, and context-aware game frameworks offer a promising path for GLAM institutions to sustain relevance, support digital literacy, and adapt to post-pandemic challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Digital Heritage)
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21 pages, 7417 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Degradation of Iron Gall Inks and to Preserve Them Using Green Approaches
by Natércia Teixeira, Paula Nabais, Vanessa Otero, Rafael Javier Díaz Hidalgo, Matteo Ferretti, Maurizio Licchelli and Maria J. Melo
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070261 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 306
Abstract
Inks from the 12th to the 17th century were aged, and a multi-analytical approach was used for their identification based on HPLC–DAD–MS, microFTIR, and microRaman. Colorimetry analysis was also performed. After 6 years of application on filter paper, three inks were selected to [...] Read more.
Inks from the 12th to the 17th century were aged, and a multi-analytical approach was used for their identification based on HPLC–DAD–MS, microFTIR, and microRaman. Colorimetry analysis was also performed. After 6 years of application on filter paper, three inks were selected to be cleaned using a novel green approach based on a chemically crosslinked gel to remove unwanted materials from the ink surface. A Braga ink produced in 2018 was also tested. Two degradation products were identified; iron sulfate was the main degradation product in the Braga ink. For Montpellier, Guadalupe, and QI.8 inks, the main degradation product was a complex of iron with ellagic acid. These compounds were accurately confirmed using microFTIR. Several tests were performed to clean these degradation products with the gels. The Braga ink was cleaned with 10% ethanol in water, which was included in the gel, and the iron sulfate was removed within 15 s of application. On the other hand, the complex of iron with ellagic acid demanded longer application times; we used 2 min and repeated the application until the compound was removed. The novelty of this research has practical implications for the conservation of historical documents and artworks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deterioration and Conservation of Ancient Writing Supports)
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32 pages, 29621 KiB  
Article
A Comparison of the Fading of Dyestuffs as Textile Colourants and Lake Pigments
by Jo Kirby and David Saunders
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070260 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 454
Abstract
Dyed wool samples and lake pigments prepared from the same dyestuffs were exposed to light over the course of 14 months. Brazilwood or sappanwood, cochineal, madder, and weld were used for both wools and pigments, with the addition of dyer’s broom, indigo, and [...] Read more.
Dyed wool samples and lake pigments prepared from the same dyestuffs were exposed to light over the course of 14 months. Brazilwood or sappanwood, cochineal, madder, and weld were used for both wools and pigments, with the addition of dyer’s broom, indigo, and tannin-containing black dyes for the wools and eosin for the pigments. The wools were dyed within the MODHT European project on historic tapestries (2002–2005), using recipes derived from fifteenth- to seventeenth-century sources. The pigments were prepared according to European recipes of the same period, or using late nineteenth-century French or English recipes. Colour measurements made throughout the experiment allowed for overall colour difference (ΔE00) to be tracked and half-lives to be calculated for some of the colour changes. Alterations in the samples’ hue and chroma were also monitored, and spectral information was collected. The results showed that, for both textiles and pigments, madder is the most stable red dye, followed by cochineal, and then brazilwood. Eosin was the most fugitive sample examined. Comparisons of textile and lake samples derived from the same dyestuff, whether red or yellow, indicate that the colourants are more stable when used as textile dyes than in analogous lake pigments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dyes in History and Archaeology 43)
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28 pages, 4519 KiB  
Article
HBIM-Based Multicriteria Method for Assessing Internal Insulation in Heritage Buildings
by Angelo Massafra, Luca Mattioli, Iuliia Kozlova, Cecilia Mazzoli, Giorgia Predari and Riccardo Gulli
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070259 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 295
Abstract
Energy retrofitting of historic buildings presents complex challenges, particularly when using internal insulation strategies. While such interventions can enhance thermal comfort and reduce energy demand, they can also pose risks of condensation and mold formation, thereby reducing usable space. This paper proposes an [...] Read more.
Energy retrofitting of historic buildings presents complex challenges, particularly when using internal insulation strategies. While such interventions can enhance thermal comfort and reduce energy demand, they can also pose risks of condensation and mold formation, thereby reducing usable space. This paper proposes an evaluation methodology for assessing the performance of internal insulating panels within a multicriteria framework to support decision-making during the design phase. The approach, scalable to various contexts, is grounded in a digital workflow that integrates heritage building information modeling (HBIM), visual programming (VP), and building energy modeling (BEM) to create a decision-support tool for renovation designers. The methodology, tested on a building located in Bologna (Italy), allows for assessing internal insulation systems with varying thermophysical properties and performance characteristics, and evaluating how they affect space- and wall-level key performance indicators, including condensation risk, energy efficiency improvement, and usable space reduction. The research was conducted under the Horizon Europe HERIT4AGES project, which aims to develop reversible, innovative insulation panels fabricated from local and recycled materials for historic building retrofitting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue HBIM and Information Systems for Cultural Heritage Memory and Preservation)
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26 pages, 28926 KiB  
Article
Large Terrace Structure Unearthed in the Heart of the City Zone of Īśānapura: Could It Be the ‘Great Hall’ Described in the Book of Sui?
by Shimoda Ichita, Chan Vitharong and Chhum Menghong
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070258 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 202
Abstract
The archaeological complex of Sambor Prei Kuk is identified with Īśānapura, the capital of the Chenla Kingdom in the early 7th century, a political predecessor to the Angkor Empire. Previous studies have largely focused on the eastern temple zone, where numerous Hindu religious [...] Read more.
The archaeological complex of Sambor Prei Kuk is identified with Īśānapura, the capital of the Chenla Kingdom in the early 7th century, a political predecessor to the Angkor Empire. Previous studies have largely focused on the eastern temple zone, where numerous Hindu religious structures are concentrated, while the western moated city area—presumably the core of urban and political activity—has remained underexplored. This paper presents the results of recent archaeological excavations at a large central mound within the city zone, which is hypothesized to have functioned as a key administrative facility. The excavation revealed a large-scale and uniquely configured terraced structure, unprecedented within the site, and radiocarbon dating suggests its construction dates from the mid 6th to mid 7th century. Notably, a Chinese historical source from the same period, the Book of Sui, describes a “Great Hall” in Īśānapura where the king administered state affairs. The characteristics and spatial context of the excavated structure suggest a possible correspondence with this account. In addition, LiDAR-derived topographic data identified multiple linear and structural features extending eastward from the mound, indicating that it may have stood at the rear of a more extensive administrative compound. These findings offer new insights into the urban structure of Īśānapura and the political architecture of early Khmer civilization. Full article
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22 pages, 9241 KiB  
Article
Identification of Shellfish Blue on an Ancient Egyptian (Dynasty XVIII) Painted Votive Textile
by Jennifer Poulin, Margaret-Ashley Veall and Chris Paulocik
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070257 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 456
Abstract
In 1906, Charles T. Currelly participated in excavations at Deir el-Bahri, Egypt, recovering votive offerings from the Temple of Hathor (Dynasty XVIII, reign of Hatshepsut, 1479–1458 BCE). These objects became part of the founding collection of the Royal Ontario Museum, where Currelly served [...] Read more.
In 1906, Charles T. Currelly participated in excavations at Deir el-Bahri, Egypt, recovering votive offerings from the Temple of Hathor (Dynasty XVIII, reign of Hatshepsut, 1479–1458 BCE). These objects became part of the founding collection of the Royal Ontario Museum, where Currelly served as the first director. Among the offerings are several paintings on linen cloth. During examination of one painted textile, a border fringe with cream (suspected undyed), yellow and blue looped threads was sampled and analysed for dyes using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The yellow threads were found to contain a tannin-rich dyestuff, likely derived from Rhus spp., a common dye in ancient Egypt. Unexpectedly, the blue threads yielded brominated-indigoid marker compounds, indicating the use of a Murex-derived dye. While purple shellfish dye is rare due to the high cost of its complex production, blue shellfish dye is even more exceptional and has only been identified a handful of times on archaeological textiles. Calculated values of di-brominated to mono-brominated indigoid compounds suggests the dye originated from an indigotin-rich type of Hexaplex trunculus snail, a Mediterranean species. This finding represents a rare example of blue shellfish dye use in ancient Egypt and provides new insights into the dyeing technologies of Dynasty XVIII and the importance of this sky-blue colour in the worship of the goddess Hathor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dyes in History and Archaeology 43)
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18 pages, 5098 KiB  
Review
Echoes of the Past: Drowned Forests and Indigenous Cultural Connections in Inundated Coastal Landscape
by Ingrid Ward, David R. Guilfoyle and Doc (Ronald) Reynolds
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070256 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 517
Abstract
Subfossil trees in growth position and their associated organic sediments serve as valuable archives of past ecologies, shedding light on coastal forest responses to post-Glacial sea-level rise. This paper offers an overview of the significance of drowned forests as both ecological and cultural [...] Read more.
Subfossil trees in growth position and their associated organic sediments serve as valuable archives of past ecologies, shedding light on coastal forest responses to post-Glacial sea-level rise. This paper offers an overview of the significance of drowned forests as both ecological and cultural records, with particular emphasis on Australian Indigenous connections to these landscapes. Indigenous use of and cultural connections to coastal trees and forests in Australian contexts are outlined, along with an overview of the formation and preservation processes of submerged forests and the methodological approaches used to study them. Case studies from across Australia illustrate the diversity of these records and their relevance to both science and heritage. The paper highlights the need for a regional database of subfossil trees and peats and underscores the importance of integrating Indigenous and scientific knowledge systems to deepen our understanding of environmental and cultural change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Indigenous Connections to Underwater Heritage in the Contemporary Era)
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