Heritage

The review of historical archives that allow us to know the observations and experiences of those who recorded scarcely explored territories in the past, especially in the context of European colonization of vast areas of the world in the seventeenth century is crucial for heritage studies. The following article analyzes how the Dutch expedition to southern Chile during the 17th century (1642–1643) was narrated, both in Dutch and in its translations into German, English, and Spanish, considering the interests of empires and the discursive differences that translational variations reveal. This transdisciplinary analysis, combining historiography, translation studies, and historical geography, consists of a critical reading of the original narration and a comparative reading of the aforementioned translations, and within them ethnographic representations made about the Mapuche-Huilliche people and the city of Valdivia and changes introduced by different translations are identified. These changes are then related to imperial contexts and discourses that shape these translations. In terms of our findings, we note that, in general, Chilean translations tend to exaggerate the representations of indigenous people as barbaric, inferior, and uncivilized. These representations are present in the European versions, but the shifts that we identified indicate an intensification of this discourse. Full article

The Bomarzo Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Bomarzo, is a remarkable historical and architectural masterpiece situated in Bomarzo (VT), Italy. Constructed in the 16th century under the sponsorship of the Orsini family, the cathedral’s design is a harmonious blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles. Despite enduring numerous challenges, including damage from the Italian Wars, extensive restoration efforts were undertaken to preserve its cultural legacy. Driven by a deep appreciation of the cathedral’s historical context, a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) investigation was deployed to gain insights into its foundations and potentially uncover buried remains beneath the floor and altar. The GPR investigation focused on the cathedral’s interior, specifically the central and left naves, altar, and oratory. This revealed the presence of disclosed rectangular chambers beneath the floor and altar, along with unique foundation structures. These findings, coupled with historical insights and architectural understanding, emphasize the cathedral’s cultural importance. Full article

The architecture of summer residences in the Dubrovnik region from the 15th and 16th centuries represents elements of cultural and historical heritage that both enhance the landscape and bear witness to the rich legacy rooted in the native Mediterranean ambience. By learning about the specific spatial characteristics that define Dubrovnik’s summer residences, this research aimed to comprehend their urban and architectural essence and determine the possibilities of using the typology of these residences as a tool for planning the balanced development of both the private and societal aspects of the city. This study identified indicators of the spatial parameters of existing historic Dubrovnik summer residences in Gruž and then analyzed them according to types of spatial planning conditions to guide the construction and development of building plots. The research was conducted using a model representation of the spatial indicators of the summer residences. The analysis of the model data revealed the characteristics of the typology of Dubrovnik summer residences, highlighting the urban and architectural features of the plots, houses, and gardens, the use of technological innovations, and the coexistence of privacy and sociality. The recognized specificities led to the conclusion that the typology of Dubrovnik summer residences can serve as an exceptionally valuable spatial planning tool. Full article

This research presents a comprehensive study on the application of hydroxypropyl cellulose/zinc oxide nanocomposite (HPC/ZnO NC) as an effective consolidant in leather conservation. The critical focus is to prevent photooxidative degradation, a significant challenge in preserving historical leather artifacts. The nanocomposite was evaluated for its protective capabilities against environmental stressors like UV radiation and moisture, mechanical robustness, and potential to stabilize acid-damaged leather. The uniform dispersion of ZnO NPs in the HPC matrix was revealed as crucial for improving leather properties, which was confirmed through SEM imaging. The HPC/ZnO NC coating effectively prevented UV-induced microcracks, surface degradation and collagen denaturation. It also demonstrated enhanced mechanical resistance, inhibiting the reduction in leather’s maximum tolerable force and increasing the elongation index, even after aging. Additionally, it exhibited improved water-repellent properties and increased the pH of the leather, offering potential benefits for the treatment of acid-degraded leathers. Overall, the findings affirm that the application of HPC/ZnO NC significantly augments the physical and mechanical properties of leather, providing enhanced resistance to environmental degradation. Full article

The Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo, named San Carlone for its large dimensions, represents a unique opportunity to study the long-term effects of atmospheric corrosion on patina formation on historic copper sheets. The sculpture’s large dimensions, complex geometry, direct visitor interaction, and exposure conditions generate different microclimates. The purpose of this study is to understand how and to what extent these microclimates affect the formation of the copper patinas. The results show that microclimates play a key role in patina formation: in external surfaces exposed to rain, the main constituent is brochantite, whereas a wider variety of corrosion products have been found in sheltered and internal surfaces, such as antlerite, atacamite, copper oxalate, posnjakite, and anglesite. Full article

The use of structured query formulation languages is a method for gaining access to data in information management systems. Writing structured queries is a powerful method of data retrieval, and end users can generate complex database queries by becoming proficient in a particular query language. Digitization of database information systems, history and endowment, and technology conservation are some examples of database conservation techniques in the process of displaying data that require optimal query techniques. Historical and endowment properties comply with a certain set of laws governing waqf recipients, which sets them apart from heritage and cultural assets. Trusted property typically comprises real estate, valuables, or both and has an infinite preservation term so long as it may still be put to use. A solid information technology infrastructure is essential for ensuring comprehensive data security. Given the availability of knowledge and the quick development of information technology, ensuring its sustainability is a challenge. This research is aimed at preserving historical and waqf databases based on the case study of the Kingdom of Sumedang Larang (KSL), Indonesia, through examination of the database, synchronization of digital data with physical data, as well as looking at its relationship with organizations and management. The proposed method, namely the Design and Analysis of Database Query Model for Preservation Information System (DAQMP), creates a recurring query model from the original tabular data placed in the next table as a special table check for data specifications containing important data. The results must be accurately aligned between digital and physical records regularly to serve as a record of any changes and as evidence to determine whether data has been corrupted, altered, or lost. Full article

The relevance of the Franciscan community is reflected in the San Francisco church in Quito, which was built between 1535 and 1755. This architectural work belonging to the Franciscan complex was implanted on a plot of land with an area of 3.5 hectares and was one of the first buildings in the Audience of Quito. Eleven mortar samples that covered the walls of the central nave and side chapels were taken from the church’s main temple. The procedure proposed by the authors is based on a combined methodology following the standards and protocols for the less-invasive extraction of heritage samples. Tests included X-ray diffraction, petrography, and scanning electron microscopy with a microanalysis of the samples. Mortars with a rustic composition and rough manufacturing were identified to differentiate two types of mortar, one of earthen with volcanic aggregates and another of lime with volcanic aggregates. The mining data validated the existing historical documentation, the imaginary process, and the stages of the established constructions. Full article

This work aims at developing an optimal strategy to automatically transcribe a large quantity of uncategorised, digitised archival documents when resources include handwritten text by multiple authors and in several languages. We present a comparative study to establish the efficiency of a single multilingual handwritten text recognition (HTR) model trained on multiple handwriting styles instead of using a separate model for every language. When successful, this approach allows us to automate the transcription of the archive, reducing manual annotation efforts and facilitating information retrieval. To train the model, we used the material from the personal archive of the Dutch glass artist Sybren Valkema (1916–1996), processing it with Transkribus. Full article

Antoine Janot and Paul Gout were 18th-century master dyers who specialised in the piece-dyeing of fine wool broadcloths manufactured in Languedoc (southern France) for exportation to the Levant. They wrote treatises, similarly entitled Mémoires de Teinture (Memoirs on Dyeing), illustrated with dozens of dyed textile samples. Janot’s is dated 1744, and Gout’s is dated 1763. These books are full of extremely valuable information, which is unique to its time: the books are composed of carefully described recipes for every colour, each originally preceded by a sample swatch. The yellows of both master dyers made from weld (Reseda luteola L.), belonging to recipes described as Jaune (yellow), were reproduced. The influence of the ingredients, in both the mordanting and dyeing baths, was assessed, and the timings for both baths, which in many recipes are not clear, were tested. This provided key knowledge on the technological processes for dyeing with weld from these 18th c. French masters. The resulting reference samples were preliminarily analysed by a multi-analytical approach. Their chromatic specifications, expressed in the CIEL*a*b*, were compared with those in the Mémoires. Moreover, the influence of the recipe on the percentages of the chromophores was assessed by HPLC-DAD. It was found that the bran and tartar in the mordanting bath influence the final obtained colour and that lime is essential to obtain a bright yellow. Full article

As organisations, museums are responsible for conserving, protecting, and displaying artwork and artefacts. Museum buildings must deliver an environment that will continue to provide this facility for both current and future generations. This research focused on presenting a museum with quantifiable and measurable data to help with climate adaptation planning. A methodology was developed using monitored data. Subhourly data for both indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity spanning the years 2012–2021 was used to produce a daily maximum, daily minimum, and daily average dataset. A sensitivity analysis determined which years to use to derive the indoor-outdoor relationships used in climate modelling. Future impacts were calculated using UK Climate Projections 2018 (UKCP18) data (12 models on a 2.2 km scale), as published by the Met Office Hadley Centre. The data contained within the 12 models was overlayed with the relationships derived to calculate the projected indoor temperature and humidity conditions within the museum. The results presented indicate that temperature and humidity conditions are projected to exceed design conditions more frequently in the coming decades. Consequently, adaptation plans must consider the potential impacts that include indoor environmental deterioration, leading to discomfort and health implications, increased energy costs, and system upgrade costs, as well as the potential for accelerated degradation of artwork and artefacts. Full article

Cultural heritage tourism is a multidimensional tourist activity because, apart from the advantages associated with practicing tourist activity, it is particularly associated with cognitive motives when it comes to practicing it, and even with discovering cultural identity. Such an activity has a specific value in relation to the adopted perspective. Researchers often attempt to determine the value that a tourism-related product has for the customer (tourist). Sometimes, it is defined as the value captured by the entity providing the tourism product. However, it is extremely rare for research to assess the social value of tourism. The aim of this work is to identify issues that can be used in measuring the social value resulting from cultural heritage made available in the form of a tourist product. The authors review the literature on cultural heritage and cultural identity, and then use a particular methodology to develop a tool for assessing social value. To develop their own research tool, the authors use the results of research conducted in 2021/2022 among managers of 70 cultural heritage tourism facilities in Europe. As a result, a tool was created that includes six statements that can contribute to the assessment of the social value resulting from the provision of material cultural heritage in the form of a tourist product. The reliability of the tool was estimated at 0.69 and its standardized rating at 0.71. The social value of cultural heritage, in the opinion of experts, achieved an average rating of 4.06 (on a scale from 1 to 5), with the 6-item version of the tool attaining an average rating of 4.10. Taking into account the usefulness of the proposed solutions, remember that the paper reflects only the European vision, which is one of many possible views. Full article

The muqarnas are small pieces grouped together, adopting surprising three-dimensional forms. They are a symbol of identity of the 14th century Nasrid architecture at Alhambra in Granada. This research’s aim is to graphically analyze the plaster muqarnas dome located to the south of the Sala de los Reyes, in the Palacio de los Leones. The methodology followed combines historical images analysis and modern digital graphic techniques. First, a compilation of unpublished drawings and photographs documenting architectural transformations and significant alterations in the roof structures since the 16th century is provided. Although these muqarnas were drawn by Jones and Goury in the 19th century, the current research identifies and draws, digitally for the first time, its nearly two thousand pieces of this dome. Additionally, metric data of the current state has been collected using 3D laser scanning, revealing significant deformations. In this way, the knowledge of these fragile architectural elements is achieved to promote their heritage dissemination and to facilitate the conservation of a monumental site included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Full article

Complex demands in the field of cultural heritage preservation often require a multidisciplinary approach and substantial volumes of multimodal data integration and management. The conventional approach to tackling these issues revolves around using different H-BIM (historical building information model) solutions. This paper presents a prototype for a web platform that moves closer to the idea of a digital twin for physical cultural assets. Based on a light development framework, it is designed for online open access and features a versatile custom 3D viewer for intuitive interaction with the presented data. The concept requires a workflow similar to the video-game industry’s 3D asset optimization to generate highly detailed 3D models and to facilitate the display of multilayered imaging data. The technological stack features a minimal MVC architecture framework and front-end stylesheets. It is designed to be independent of specific databases, enhancing portability for potential future open-source releases. Moreover, the platform employs WebGL libraries to create a dynamic 3D environment interaction. The capabilities of the web platform were tested in a case study regarding the documentation of an important 17th-century church in Romania. Further developments and current limitations of the platform are also discussed. Full article

Communities of the East African coast have had a long history of international interaction. Swahili maritime networks linked African port towns across the Indian Ocean seaboard, thus enabling merchandise to reach the hinterlands of the continent. One of these Swahili towns is the ancient city of Gedi, located on the central Kenyan coast near the medieval town of Malindi. Located inshore, 6 km from the main ocean to the southeast and 3 km from Mida Creek to the southwest, Gedi’s lack of seaward connectivity has perplexed scholars. To effectively function within the vibrant Indian Ocean maritime trade networks of the 10th to 16th centuries CE, Gedi needed access to the sea. Inevitably goods had to be transported overland from a port or landing place. The ‘MUCH to Discover in Mida Creek’ project carried out an archaeological survey around the Creek to form a broader understanding of the region’s maritime past. The study identified a range of sites that evidence past coastal activity. In particular, a concentration of contemporary house sites at Chafisi near the closest point on the Creek to Gedi would suggest it may have acted as an outport for the stone town. Full article

The focus of this paper is the revitalization of a heritage city center and the significance of retail trade and cruise ship tourism within this context. Fundamental concepts are presented in the literature review and the factors contributing to the decline of old city centers explored. The empirical section of the paper comprises a case study that highlights a specific municipality’s efforts to revive its heritage city center. The main attraction in Koper is its well-preserved medieval city center with five-centuries-old Venetian architecture. An analysis of the municipality’s initiatives is performed and a qualitative study that investigates the perceptions and experiences of stakeholders regarding the situation and the municipality’s actions to preserve commercial activity in the city center. The results of the semi-structured interviews conducted with three distinct stakeholder groups are analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method. The findings reveal that the chosen municipality has achieved relative success in revitalizing its heritage city center. Concurrently, stakeholders’ perspectives are utilized to identify potential drawbacks and explore opportunities for mitigating them. This paper concludes by presenting its theoretical and methodological contributions to the field of heritage city center revitalization, not only in the selected municipality but also beyond. These insights can inform the appropriate sustainable policy development and marketing strategy. Full article

Preserving and managing historical cultural heritage necessitates innovative approaches that harmonize technology with historical documentation. This paper presents a case study showcasing an adaptable online database tailored for the incorporation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) models and associated historical records. Notably, this approach offers distinctive integration with historical data, enabling users to contextualize heritage assets historically. The study delves into the database’s capabilities, focusing on its role in cultural heritage structure management. It explores interactive exploration, semantic querying, and attachment features, highlighting BIM’s potential in digital conservation, documentation, and archival efforts for historical structures. Additionally, the paper underscores the database’s significance as a valuable tool for education, research, and collaboration among heritage professionals and the public. While addressing specific modeling challenges, it emphasizes the importance of enhancing software solutions to elevate historical asset management. Historical BIM emerges as a powerful resource bridging the gap between historical structures’ conservation and modern technology. Full article

Accelerating the construction of transportation networks has become an important bridge to promote the urbanization of heritage tourism destinations. Based on the development dilemma of tourism towns in northwestern China, this study collected the panel data of 10 cities in Shaanxi Province from 2006 to 2019 and used a panel error correction model to investigate the long-term and short-term relationships between heritage tourism and new urbanization. In addition, this paper establishes a regression model of the transportation network’s regulatory effect, revealing the extent of the impact of the transportation network on heritage tourism and new urbanization. The results show that (1) in the short term, the influence of heritage tourism on new urbanization is not remarkable, but in the long term, heritage tourism plays a positive role in facilitating new urbanization; (2) the short-term contribution elasticity of new urbanization to heritage tourism is less than that in the long term; (3) the regulatory effect of the transportation network rectifies the deviation caused by overdeveloped urbanization to moderate development in heritage tourism destinations. Full article

Sixteenth-century mural paintings of Nossa Senhora das Neves in Vilar de Perdizes (Galicia—North Portugal Euroregion) were analysed. An iconographic study has allowed us to understand the meaning of the seven scenes that constitute the mural painting. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopies determined the compounds used in this mural painting, both in the original and in later repaintings. The black paint was bone black. Hydroxyapatite characteristic bands and those of the associated phosphates have been identified. White lime was used as white paint. Lepidocrocite and goethite were used to make yellows, and hematite was used to make red shades. Cinnabar has been used for a later red repaint. Carbon-based compounds and rutile were used to create different tonalities by darkening or lightening colours. It is of great significance to obtain accurate and reliable mural painting information through scientific means, since preservation, restoration, and repainting without detailed information can be harmful to mural paintings. Full article

Non-destructive techniques (NDT) have enhanced their usefulness in the field of cultural heritage protection and have become valuable tools for the investigation of composing materials, as well as for the detection of alteration and degradation of various structures. In the current study, non-destructive techniques, based on digital photography processing and analysis (digital photography-Vis/UVF, portable digital optical microscopy, colorimetry, infrared thermography), are used for the examination of three composite contemporary artworks created on photosensitized cement. This approach was applied to a series of composite works (photosensitized cement surfaces) in order to understand the craftmanship of the artist, document the materials used and assess the overall condition of the artworks. The techniques and methods applied can be used as a benchmark for the study of similarly complex artworks and for conservation and restoration planning. This comparative study has shown that, although the three artworks under examination are composed of alike materials (cement mortar, plaster, photosensitive emulsion), they exhibit distinct condition states, which can be attributed to variations in the artist technique and application, as well as to their exposure to different environmental conditions. Full article