Elisabeth TRINKL1 | Dirk RIEKE-ZAPP2
(1Institute of Archaeology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria | 2Hexagon, Germany)

Keywords: Measurement, quantification, head vase

Abstract:
The vast majority of the Attic pottery is thrown by the spinning wheel. Concerning head vases the potters used the same technique only for the upper part of the vessel whereas the head of the head vase was made by two moulds, one for the face and a second for the rear; finally some facial details by hand. 3D scan models of several vases were selected for comparison. We are convinced that Beazley’s classification of groups dating back to 1929 are principally correct. Nevertheless, recent computer technology and visualization systems can help to further refining and consolidating the original groups, in respect to chronology and production process. Digitization of several head vases with fringe projection systems in different museums allowed for digital comparison of vases. Calculating the difference of the resulting 3D models after co-registration revealed very little differences between the head areas of several vases. Differences are so small that it is likely that the same mold was used for several preserved head vases. Scaling the digital models by 10-15% in order to simulate the volume loss during production of a head vase. Comparing results, it is not unlikely that molds were taken as negatives from oven burned head vases to produce a generation of smaller head vases.

Relevance for the conference: USe 3D data for quantitative analysis to test ideas and theories
Relevance for the session: We produced 3D data for measurements and developed additional ideas
Innovation: Bring metrology to archaeology
References:
• Beazley, J. D, 1929. Charinos, JHS 49, 1929, 38-78;
• E. Trinkl – D. Rieke‐Zapp – L. Homer, Face to Face –Considering the Moulding of Attic Head Vases. Reconsidering Beazley’s groups by quantitative analysis, Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 2017 – together with D. Rieke‐Zapp (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2017.07.023)