Infrared Imaging and Artifacts: Attempting to See Beyond the Human Eye

Summary

Infrared photography has been a useful tool for archaeologists in observing unseen macrofeatures, particularly with aerial photography and sattelite imaging. However, the infrared spectrum's potential usefullness to archaeologists extends beyond the macroscale. Recovery of trace details, writing, corrosion patterns, and other elements invisible to the human eye and visible light protography may be possible through the use of infrared photography. Using a converted Canon 20D digital Single-Lens Reflex (dSLR) camera, this paper explores the effect of incorporating different lighting techniques in conjunction with an afforable infrared imaging system to analyze the potential of documenting hidden details of artifacts both pre- and post-conservation. Artifact types include metals, a 19th-century Bible with handwritten notes, cloth, wood, and ceramics.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2015   •
• Recent Developments in the Study of Hull Construction

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Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 529