Figuring Things Out: 3D Models of Valdivia Figurines for Research and Outreach

Summary

During excavations at the Valdivia site of Buen Suceso, Ecuador, in 2017 we recovered a number of figurines. Using in-field photogrammetry and post-field processing, we have created digital 3D models of these figurines. For us, the purpose of photogrammetric models is: 1) to facilitate comparisons across assemblages by a variety of scholars, and 2) for use in public education and outreach. While the creation of 3D images via photogrammetry is becoming more common in archaeological practice, the results of applying these methods are still only rarely publicly available. In fact, even at academic conferences, they are often employed within standard powerpoint presentations with little opportunity for audience interaction. For this reason, it is crucial to utilize various platforms in order to make these models more accessible to the public at large, including other academics. This allows for remote comparison of other figurine databases by archaeologists without needing to rely on two-dimensional photographs or drawings, as well as a fantastic educational opportunity for the public to see entire figurines and virtually turn them over in their hands in order to gain a greater appreciation for their craftsmanship and artistry as well as a deeper understanding of their cultural meaning and context.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 21101