3D Digital Replicas and New Archives
Dell'Unto, Nicolo LU
(2026)
p.377-390
- Abstract
- This chapter examines how digital replicas, particularly high-resolution 3D models, are transforming archaeological practice and reshaping archival paradigms. It questions whether these digital surrogates can offer interpretive, analytical, and contextual insights comparable to those derived from original artifacts, and explores how perceptions of authenticity evolve when engagement is mediated through digital platforms. Moving beyond the assumption that replicas are secondary or diminished representations, the chapter argues that their epistemic value arises within hybrid ecosystems where meaning and authenticity are co-constructed through interaction.
Through an in-depth analysis of two infrastructures, Dynamic Collections and... (More) - This chapter examines how digital replicas, particularly high-resolution 3D models, are transforming archaeological practice and reshaping archival paradigms. It questions whether these digital surrogates can offer interpretive, analytical, and contextual insights comparable to those derived from original artifacts, and explores how perceptions of authenticity evolve when engagement is mediated through digital platforms. Moving beyond the assumption that replicas are secondary or diminished representations, the chapter argues that their epistemic value arises within hybrid ecosystems where meaning and authenticity are co-constructed through interaction.
Through an in-depth analysis of two infrastructures, Dynamic Collections and the Archaeological Interactive Reporting System (AIR), the chapter illustrates how digital replicas operate within environments designed to structure scholarly practice, define affordances, and shape the circulation of knowledge. These platforms are not passive repositories but active epistemic spaces where archaeological meaning is produced, contested, and shared. Situating digital replicas within the evolving landscape of archaeological infrastructures reveals both their potential and limitations, underscoring the critical role of mediation and coupled cognition in shaping future knowledge-making practices. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
https://lup.lub.lu.se/record/f0db4cc9-ef11-447b-9e00-840a47238e24
- author
- Dell'Unto, Nicolo
LU
- organization
- publishing date
- 2026-07-16
- type
- Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding
- publication status
- published
- subject
- keywords
- 3D visualization, hybrid infrastructures, digital archives, digital practic, 3D collections
- host publication
- The Oxford Handbook of Digital Classical Studies
- editor
- Barker, Elton
- pages
- 14 pages
- publisher
- Oxford University Press
- DOI
- 10.1093/9780197835210.003.0038
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- f0db4cc9-ef11-447b-9e00-840a47238e24
- date added to LUP
- 2025-07-20 15:06:42
- date last changed
- 2026-08-07 11:41:53
@inbook{f0db4cc9-ef11-447b-9e00-840a47238e24,
abstract = {{This chapter examines how digital replicas, particularly high-resolution 3D models, are transforming archaeological practice and reshaping archival paradigms. It questions whether these digital surrogates can offer interpretive, analytical, and contextual insights comparable to those derived from original artifacts, and explores how perceptions of authenticity evolve when engagement is mediated through digital platforms. Moving beyond the assumption that replicas are secondary or diminished representations, the chapter argues that their epistemic value arises within hybrid ecosystems where meaning and authenticity are co-constructed through interaction.<br/><br/>Through an in-depth analysis of two infrastructures, Dynamic Collections and the Archaeological Interactive Reporting System (AIR), the chapter illustrates how digital replicas operate within environments designed to structure scholarly practice, define affordances, and shape the circulation of knowledge. These platforms are not passive repositories but active epistemic spaces where archaeological meaning is produced, contested, and shared. Situating digital replicas within the evolving landscape of archaeological infrastructures reveals both their potential and limitations, underscoring the critical role of mediation and coupled cognition in shaping future knowledge-making practices.}},
author = {{Dell'Unto, Nicolo}},
booktitle = {{The Oxford Handbook of Digital Classical Studies}},
editor = {{Barker, Elton}},
keywords = {{3D visualization; hybrid infrastructures; digital archives; digital practic; 3D collections}},
language = {{eng}},
month = {{07}},
pages = {{377--390}},
publisher = {{Oxford University Press}},
title = {{3D Digital Replicas and New Archives}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/9780197835210.003.0038}},
doi = {{10.1093/9780197835210.003.0038}},
year = {{2026}},
}