Archeologia Invisibile #10: Lo scavo archeologico

Summary

The video explores the evolving concept of the 'biography of the object' in archaeology, which highlights the different 'lives' an object goes through. It explains that ancient objects experience a first life when they are used and discarded, and a second life upon their discovery during archaeological excavations. The video emphasizes the significance of context in excavations and introduces modern techniques like photogrammetry, which allow for detailed 3D documentation of excavated layers and objects, helping to virtually preserve excavation data and overcome the destructive nature of archaeological digs.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The concept of the 'biography of the object' is gaining importance in disciplines like museology, archaeology, and sociology.
• 🕰️ Objects can have multiple lives, with their first life occurring when they are created, used, and abandoned.
• ⛏️ Archaeological excavations serve as the bridge between an object's first life and its second life when it is rediscovered and studied.
• 📚 An object's second life typically involves being part of museum or private collections, where it is restored and examined.
• 🌍 Context is crucial in archaeology, including the physical characteristics of the soil layers in which objects are found.
• 📸 Traditional methods of documenting context involve photography and drawings before removing the soil layers.
• 🗺️ Modern technology like photogrammetry allows for detailed documentation and 3D modeling of excavation layers and objects.
• 🎥 Photogrammetry also enables virtual preservation of excavation data, allowing for a quasi-replication of the process.
• 💡 Archaeological excavation is destructive by nature, but modern documentation methods help mitigate the loss of information.
• 🔬 The 'Archeologia Invisibile' exhibition highlights the journey of objects from excavation to their eventual destinations.

Q & A

What is the concept of the 'biography of the object' in the context of museology and archaeology?

The 'biography of the object' refers to the idea that objects have multiple lives. Their first life occurs when they are created, used, and eventually abandoned. Their second life begins when they are discovered, studied, and displayed in museums or collections.

How does an object's first life differ from its second life?

An object's first life involves its creation, use, abandonment, and sometimes re-use before being forgotten. The second life begins when the object is rediscovered through archaeological excavation, after which it is restored, studied, and displayed in collections.

Why is archaeological excavation described as a turning point for an object's life?

Archaeological excavation marks the transition between the object's first and second lives. It is the point where the forgotten object is unearthed and given new significance, leading to restoration, study, and museum exhibition.

What role does context play in archaeological excavation?

Context in archaeology refers to the position and environment in which objects are found. It includes factors like the physical characteristics of the soil layers, such as texture, color, and content, which are crucial for understanding the object's history and significance.

How was context traditionally documented in archaeological excavations?

Traditionally, context was documented using photography and drawings. Before removing a soil layer, it was photographed with a metric scale and relevant information, and then drawn to capture its characteristics.

How have documentation techniques in archaeology evolved with modern technology?

Modern techniques, like photogrammetry, have revolutionized archaeological documentation. Photogrammetry allows for the creation of accurate 3D models of excavation surfaces, individual objects, and entire contexts, preserving detailed information that can be virtually revisited.

What is the significance of photogrammetry in archaeological excavation?

Photogrammetry is significant because it enables archaeologists to document excavation layers and objects with precision, creating 3D models that preserve the excavation's stratigraphy. This allows the excavation to be virtually repeated, mitigating the destructive nature of traditional excavation.

Why is archaeological excavation described as destructive?

Archaeological excavation is described as destructive because, once a layer is removed, it cannot be replaced or examined again in its original context. The process is like an experiment that cannot be repeated, which makes accurate documentation crucial.

How does photogrammetry help preserve the information from archaeological excavations?

Photogrammetry helps preserve excavation information by creating detailed 3D models of the site, layers, and objects. These models allow researchers to virtually revisit the excavation, preserving data that would otherwise be lost due to the irreversible nature of excavation.

What is the Archeologia Invisibile exhibition and how does it relate to archaeological excavation?

The Archeologia Invisibile exhibition showcases the origins and future of archaeological objects, highlighting how they are discovered, restored, and studied. It emphasizes the role of archaeological excavation as the starting point of an object's second life and the importance of context in understanding its history.