3-D Virtual Replicas and Simulations of the Past: “Real” or “Fake” Representations?

TY - JOUR

T1 - 3-D Virtual Replicas and Simulations of the Past

T2 - “Real” or “Fake” Representations?

AU - Galeazzi, Fabrizio

N1 - © 2018 by The Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research. This is an author-produced version of the published paper. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher’s self-archiving policy. Further copying may not be permitted; contact the publisher for details

PY - 2018/4/5

Y1 - 2018/4/5

N2 - This paper investigates the ontology of 3-D replicas and simulations of archaeological and heritage sites. In the past 20 years, the use of new technologies for the 3-D documentation and reconstruction of cultural heritage has altered approaches to the analysis and interpretation of tangible heritage. The preservation and recreation of the past is becoming increasingly “digital.” Scholars are debating the authenticity of 3-D digital reproductions in heritage and archaeology. How should we consider these digital and virtual reproductions? Are they original digital representations of our cultural heritage or just virtual “fakes”? It is argued that it is not possible to define universal predetermined categories for the definition of “authentic” in the digital domain, since 3-D digital reproductions of tangible heritage are always influenced by the subjective interpretation of the creator of 3-D content. To support this argument, three case studies are presented that deal with the contested and controversial concept of authenticity in different domains: physical, digital, and a combination of physical and digital.

AB - This paper investigates the ontology of 3-D replicas and simulations of archaeological and heritage sites. In the past 20 years, the use of new technologies for the 3-D documentation and reconstruction of cultural heritage has altered approaches to the analysis and interpretation of tangible heritage. The preservation and recreation of the past is becoming increasingly “digital.” Scholars are debating the authenticity of 3-D digital reproductions in heritage and archaeology. How should we consider these digital and virtual reproductions? Are they original digital representations of our cultural heritage or just virtual “fakes”? It is argued that it is not possible to define universal predetermined categories for the definition of “authentic” in the digital domain, since 3-D digital reproductions of tangible heritage are always influenced by the subjective interpretation of the creator of 3-D content. To support this argument, three case studies are presented that deal with the contested and controversial concept of authenticity in different domains: physical, digital, and a combination of physical and digital.

U2 - 10.1086/697489

DO - 10.1086/697489

M3 - Article

SN - 0011-3204

JO - Current Anthropology

JF - Current Anthropology

ER -