Curation in the Digital Age: The Potential for Bioarchaeology

Summary

Digital imaging and curation are increasingly accessible to and implemented by bioarchaeologists working in both academic and CRM positions. In the field, 3D scanning and LiDAR technology record mortuary contexts quickly and in incredible detail. These techniques make poorly preserved remains available for study that may not survive excavation intact. In a lab setting, photogrammetry and construction of 3D models of skeletal elements shows promise for augmenting and preserving teaching collections and rare materials. However, correct implementation of these techniques requires some degree of training and skill, as well as means to curate the large data files they produce. This paper will explore the potential positive and negative aspects of implementing digital curation methods for skeletal elements as well as data generated from osteological analyses. Ethical considerations will also be discussed.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)   •
• Curating the Past: The Practice and Ethics of Skeletal Conservation

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 15325