This talk presents an update on 3D modeling at the Kelsey Museum. Many of the Kelsey’s artifacts are difficult to capture in 3D. Much of the collection is small, from figurines and amulets all the way down to poppy seeds, and many objects are shiny. Both characteristics present significant challenges to the methods archaeologists have traditionally used to create digital models, which rely on cameras and reflected light. Even worse are glass objects and gemstones, whose translucency defies these light-based methods.

Yet they are not impossible. This talk will introduce the advanced techniques we have adopted to deal with tiny and shiny artifacts, the novel methods we are developing for capturing glass, and the frameworks we have developed for archiving the massive amounts of data required by these techniques. It will also demonstrate the Kelsey’s multipronged, innovative uses of digital modeling to communicate with the public, such as publishing models online and bringing them into the galleries through digital animation, 3D printing, and augmented reality experiences.

Dr. Chris Motz is a Roman archaeologist and a specialist in digital technologies and methods. He received his PhD from the University of Cincinnati in 2021, followed by stints teaching at Elon University and the University of Richmond, before joining the Kelsey Museum in 2024. With regard to the ancient world, most of his research centers on Roman industry and infrastructure and is rooted in analyses of complex datasets. This connects to his other primary focus: developing new and better ways to record, analyze, publish, and preserve cultural heritage data, with several published articles and chapters on digital field recording and excavation databases. In the field, he serves as head of data for projects at the coastal Punic/Roman city of Tharros, Sardinia, and at Pompeii’s Porta Stabia neighborhood. At the Kelsey, he oversees a wide range of digital efforts, including the 3D capture project that is the subject of today’s talk.

FAST (Field Archaeology Series on Thursday) Lectures are free and open to the public. This event will take place in Room 125 of the Kelsey Museum’s Newberry Hall. Light refreshments and food will be provided at 5:30 PM, with the lecture starting at 6:00 PM.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessing this event, please visit our accessibility page at https://myumi.ch/zwPkd or contact the education office by calling (734) 647-4167. We ask for advance notice as some accommodations may require more time for the university to arrange.