The Ancient Greek Potter’s Wheel: Experimental Archaeology and Web Applications for Velocity Analysis

The potter’s wheel is central to the understanding of ancient technology, knowledge transfer, and social complexity. With scant evidence of potter’s wheels from antiquity, experimental projects with replica potter’s wheels can help researchers address larger questions on ceramic production. One such set of experiments, performed using the Ancient Greek wheel replica in Tucson modelled on Athenian and Corinthian iconographic evidence, provided useful insight into the qualitative experience of ancient potters. In past experiments, the quantitative analysis of the throwing sessions included data on wheel velocity which had been collected collected over large intervals, comprising entire stages of the throwing process. While this method provides an overview of rotational speed, a continuous velocity graph provides a clearer picture collected data on wheel velocity. To address this, we developed a web application (WheelVis; brandonneth.github.io/wheelvis) to aid in the velocity analysis of experimental potter’s wheels. Users provide a recording of the throwing session and while advancing through the recording, they mark points where the wheel has completed rotations. Using the time intervals between these points, the tool reconstructs a graph of the velocity of the wheel throughout the throwing session. This innovative application provides fast, fine-grained velocity information, and helps archaeologists answer questions about the physical properties of their experimental replicas or wheels used in traditional workshops. Future development of the application will include contextual partitions to allow users to split the throw into different stages, enabling further analysis into the throwing process. Moreover, intelligent error detection would notify users when a mark is likely to be made in error and allow them to correct their mistake.

Cyber-Archaeometry: Novel Research and Learning Subject Overview

The cyber archaeometry concerns a new virtual ontology in the environment of cultural heritage and archaeology. The present study concerns a first pivot endeavor of a virtual polarized light microscopy (VPLM) for archaeometric learning, made from digital tools, tackling the theory of mineral identification in archaeological materials, an important aspect in characterization, provenance, and ancient technology. This endeavor introduces the range of IT computational methods and instrumentation techniques available to the study of cultural heritage and archaeology of apprentices, educators, and specialists. Use is made of virtual and immersive reality, 3D, virtual environment, massively multiplayer online processes, and gamification. The VPLM simulation is made with the use of Avatar in the time-space frame of the laboratory with navigation, exploration, control the learning outcomes in connection to the archaeometric multisystem work. The students evidently learned to operate the VPLM following operations made via visual and home-made scripting, gaining experience in synergy, teamwork, and understanding. The resulting meaningful effects of the cyber-archaeometry with virtual operations and virtual hands, texts, and video equip students especially for e-learning with the required basic knowledge of mineralogical examination, which help to understand and evaluate mineral identification from material culture and provides readiness and capacity, which may be refined in a real polarized light microscopy (PLM) environment.

The nuances of toning and wood dyeing in the process of creating the original wooden sculptures

  This article states that the ways to improve the decorative qualities of wood have been known to mankind since ancient times. The techniques of woodworking material have improved over years. The author underlines the importance of proper choice of finishing materials, as it intended to preserve the cultural objects, as well as produce certain aesthetic perception. Therefore, the choice of materials is substantiated by the nature of the wood and the work performed, as well as by the author's plan and conceptual idea. The article discusses the key methods of wood finishing in the process of creating wooden sculptures. The author lists the main types of wood finishing, as well as the original techniques. It is noted that there are various technologies for giving a wood surface a different color. Description is given to such methods as fire-treatment and waxing of wooden surface; as well as to the original techniques of treating wood damaged by the bark beetle or exposed to fire. It is claimed that proper firing gives wood strength and resistance, protecting it from various influences and significantly extending its durability. Special attention is given to the wood ash treatment, and how this ancient technology can be applied in modern wooden sculpture. The recommendations are given for proper selection of applicators that contribute to quality dyeing of wooden surfaces.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL CARVING ON JADE

The article discusses the technology and basic principles of three-dimensional jade carving in China, the historical development of the technology of processing the "national stone" of Celestial Empire. The main properties of jade that determine the technology of its processing and the nomenclature of stone-cutting products, as well as the advantages associated with this mineral in Confucian philosophy, are considered. It is shown that the properties of stone raw materials largely determine the master's idea and the subsequent design of the product. It is shown that studies of the features of the processed surface of carved jade products help to date their manufacture, and traceological studies clarify the features and techniques of the ancient technology of processing this mineral.

Structure, Function and Historical Importance of Watermills in the Swat Valley

The paper deals with the architecture and function of watermills in Swat valley. Watermill is a seldom-used term; however, it has played a significant role in the socio-cultural and economic lives of people in the past. This research work explores the case study of water mills in the Swat region. It examined in detail its processing and operation. The watermill was not only an instrument used for grinding purposes but also determined the mode of production, class system and social values of people. Modern technology has though changed people's behaviors and social formations up to a large extent, but it couldn't erase people's memories and history. A qualitative method has been used for conducting this research work. An ethnic-archaeological method was focused on recording the history of this tremendous ancient technology which contributed widely to the socio-cultural context of people.

Pancha rathas, the five stone temples of the Mahabalipuram site

Heritage and landscape development may take place within the heritage assemble procedure. The study presents a case of Stone heritage, characterized by an important intangible Vedic chanting heritage which again linked to the seashore forest and Pallava temple architecture. The purpose is to search diverse physiognomies of what opportunity exists in natural context and its playing role with the built heritage and eco-tourism. The methodology includes an extensive literature review of previous texts and collecting key factors out of those literary and pictorial data for historical evidence proved analysis. The results developed from a scientific approach over such case where ethnology, ancient technology and architectural style might have lost its authenticity and integrity for robust deforestation of associated garden heritage over different courses of time just because of the absence of boundary and buffer zone concept. It revealed three major opportunities for future sustainable accomplishment in this historic site: significance of effective network comprising authorities and stakeholders, over excessive tourism can also be regarded as curse for local landscape because of rapid urbanization and finally ecological bounties, recapture of areas and aggregation need a strong legitimation to justify buffer zone and site boundary from all possible direction.