Digital models of artifacts
Digital 3D models are a way to share artifacts held in museums with people who can’t visit them in person. Below are models of artifacts from Banks Island kept at Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife.
Some of the models were made by MA student Colleen Haukaas using a 3D3 White Light Scanner at the Sustainable Archaeology Facility in London Ontario. The 3D3 White Light Scanner shines light onto the surface of an artifact, which allows it to capture its shape and reconstruct the surface of the artifact digitally. This technique makes high quality scans but is expensive, hard to transport, and requires special training to use. Adding color to these models involves an extra step – you will notice that some have color added and others are still white.
Other models were made using inexpensive, easy to use techniques. One of these methods is called photogrammetry, which involves taking many photos of an artifact from different angles and then uploading them to Autodesk 123D Catch– a program that converts them into a 3D model. Another method is to use a structure sensor attached to an iPad. These tools were used by Inuvialuit youth to make models of artifacts during our visit to Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.
Check out the models below!
Some of the models were made by MA student Colleen Haukaas using a 3D3 White Light Scanner at the Sustainable Archaeology Facility in London Ontario. The 3D3 White Light Scanner shines light onto the surface of an artifact, which allows it to capture its shape and reconstruct the surface of the artifact digitally. This technique makes high quality scans but is expensive, hard to transport, and requires special training to use. Adding color to these models involves an extra step – you will notice that some have color added and others are still white.
Other models were made using inexpensive, easy to use techniques. One of these methods is called photogrammetry, which involves taking many photos of an artifact from different angles and then uploading them to Autodesk 123D Catch– a program that converts them into a 3D model. Another method is to use a structure sensor attached to an iPad. These tools were used by Inuvialuit youth to make models of artifacts during our visit to Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.
Check out the models below!
fishing lure
This fishing lure was found at an archaeological site in DeSalis Bay. It is made from a carved polar bear tooth and has five holes drilled through it. It was probably used in the last 100 years.
Modelling technique: 3D3 White Light Scanner PWNHC Catalog No: 982.44.003 |
scraper
This artifact is a scraper, It would have been attached to a bone or wood handle and used for preparing hides. It is from the Lagoon Site near the mouth of Masik River on the south coast of Banks Island. People lived there around 500 BC.
Modelling technique: 3D3 White Light Scanner PWNHC Catalog No: 982.50.94 |
Wound PinThis is a wound pin made from ivory. People used them to stop the flow of blood in hunted animal. This pin was found at the Nelson River Site on the south coast of Banks Island. The site was in use around 1200 AD, making it one of the earliest known Inuit archaeological sites in Canada.
Modelling technique: 3D3 White Light Scanner. PWNHC Catalog No: 982.40.976 |
Harpoon Head
This antler harpoon head for hunting ringed seals is also from Nelson River (~1200 AD).
Modelling technique: 3D3 White Light Scanner. PWNHC Catalog No: 982.40.61 |
Harpoon ForeshaftThis antler artifact is a foreshaft from a harpoon. Harpoons are composed of multiple pieces. This one would have been inserted into a long wooden shaft at one end, and the pointed harpoon head at the other. It is from the Lagoon Site, which dates to about 500 BC.
Modelling technique: 3D3 White Light Scanner. PWNHC Catalog No: 982.50.154 |
Spear Head
This point is made by flaking (chipping) a stone called chalcedony. Like the scraper and awl above, it is from the Lagoon Site, and dates to about 500 BC.
Modelling technique: 3D3 White Light Scanner. PWNHC Catalog No: 982.50.459 |
Bone Awl
This artifact is an awl that would have been used to sew clothing and other items from hides. It is from the Lagoon Site, and dates to about 500 BC.
Modelling technique: 3D3 White Light Scanner. PWNHC Catalog No: 982.50.174 |
Baleen Bowl
This “bowl” has a wooden base and the sides are made with a single strip of baleen sewn together with baleen stitches. It was found at the Nelson River site in the remains of an 800 year old winter house. This model was created by Cassidy Kudlak from Sachs Harbour.
Modelling technique: Structure sensor. PWNHC Catalog No: 982.040.603 |
Toy Sled
This miniature sled fits in your hand. It is made of wood lashed together with baleen. Like the bowl above, it was found at the Nelson River Site. This model was created by Rosanne Lenny from Sachs Harbour.
Modelling technique: Structure sensor. PWNHC Catalog No: 982.040.603 |
Mattock
This mattock is made of whale bone and has a depression underneath where its handle was inserted. It also has three pairs of notches to secure the lashings used to attach the handle. Mattocks were used for stripping blubber from whale carcasses and cutting sod for building houses. The end of this one, found at the Nelson River site (~1200AD), is worn down from use. This model was made by Cassidy Kudlak from Sachs Harbour.
Modelling technique: Structure sensor. PWNHC Catalog No: 982.040.399 |
Doll
Wooden figurines like this one were often used as toys for children, sometimes with clothes made for them. While some figurines had carved faces, this one does not, and its lower legs and left arm are broken. It was found at the Nelson River site (~1200AD). This model was made by Rosanne Lennie from Sachs Harbour.
Modelling technique: Structure sensor. PWNHC Catalog No: 982.040.903 |