Workpackage 5

Cultural heritage plays a fundamental role in communities taking ownership of their history. Its preservation and study require increased collaboration between the archaeometry, the experimental sciences, the humanities, the conservation sector, environmental and computer sciences, and awareness of the societal implications of scientific research in this field. In recent years, researchers in Bordeaux have played a leading role in developing methodologies and tools to better understanding how artefacts classified as cultural heritage were originally produced, how they have been altered, restored physically or digitally, and how research conducted on them may engage the general public towards understanding and conserving our shared past. In the framework of this WP, the members will focus on: 1) colour ; 2) digital tools (for objects and decorated caves) ; 3) digital editions of ancient texts.

Action 1. Production, conservation, perception, and digital restoration of coloured cultural items

Person in charge : Aurélie Mounier

Colour is an inherent aspect of cultural heritage but most of the time, they reached us in an altered state (natural degradation, past restoration, …) and cultural biases affect the way of their perception. Bordeaux researchers developed of cutting-edge portable devices (as hyperspectral imaging, fluorimetry…), positioning them internationally as a respected team for the study of paintings or in the creation of virtual spaces, digital tools, and information systems referenced in 3D. The team will implement specific non-invasive and contactless methods to study 1) ceramics from African and Bordeaux workshops dated between the 14th c. and the present ; 2) Tapestries (Aubusson and "The Lady and The Unicorn") ; 3) Antiques polychromies.

Action 2. Cultural heritage sites and objects are the subject of long-term research

Person in charge : Bruno Dutailly

This action aims to achieve a better understanding of the challenges posed by the study of cultural heritage that degrades. This reveals tipping points involving the gradual loss of scientific, cultural and societal value. We will explore how digital tools can contribute to store heterogeneous and multi-scale data for the study and the preservation of cultural heritage (for prehistoric caves, bones, …) by: 1) develop a geolocated georeferencing tool (ISR 3D: information system referenced in 3D) ; 2) physico-chemical analyses and measurements of different kinds.

Action 3. Digital critical editions: a new challenge for the conservation and interpretation of ancient texts

Person in charge : Olivier Devillers

This action will explore the potential of numerical humanities to document, edit, publish and diffuse Greco-Roman textual heritage and enhance its appropriation by a general audience. The digitalization of writing sources offers the possibility of preserving this richness by creating critical editions of a new nature. With ten years of experience now in “computer literacy”, the researchers of Bordeaux wish to take up this challenge, working on 1) books 11–13 of Cassius Dio’s Roman History ; 2) Sallust’s Histories.