New technologies for cultural heritage:
Perspectives and challenges
International conference
Paris, musée du quai Branly, November 6th-‐7th 2014
Call for Papers
The musée du quai Branly organizes, in a partnership with the Paris-‐Sorbonne University (Paris 4) and the joint research unit (UMR) 8167 “Orient et Méditerranée”, a conference on new technologies applied to ethnographic and archaeological collections in November 6th and 7th 2014
Main topic
In less than a decade, improvements in new analysis and digital imaging technologies have significantly changed researchers’ approach to heritage objects. New opportunities have arisen. Mostly unimaginable just a few years ago, they become now increasingly accessible to different scientific and museum institutions. Currently, the miniaturization of analytical tools is transforming the methods of intervention on matter, and therefore the prospects for non-‐
destructive and non-‐invasive studies on sites, monuments, documents and collections. The status of objects (or artefacts) per se is changing as its material understanding extends far beyond traditional methods of observation. In the field of preservation, digital archiving provides the ability to remotely visualize and analyse collections in a collaborative and permanent way. It also provides interdisciplinary relationships by sharing scientific information and training young researchers. New fields are opening in the mediation of heritage museums, in particular toward wider publics. At the same time, these innovative practices development raise new anthropological, ethical and legal issues and concerns.
This conference intends to give an overview of prospects and potentials presented by the growth of these new technologies (directions for research, development of new tools, reflections about perception, understanding and relationship to objects and images) in the different cultural heritage fields (conservation, museography, preservation) in research and education.
Four directions could be explored:
1. Miniaturisation of tools
A lot of efforts and researches have recently taken place on the miniaturisation of analytical tools in order to make them mobile and transportable (SEM, XRF, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, etc…).
2. Remotely handling and visualization
New tools provide access to the “hidden” through the multiplication of scales of observation in order to collect data, from the upper layer to the depths of the object. Among the most iconic, the improvement of 3D imaging which can penetrate inside the object down to the last detail opens up new research fields and transform the practices of archaeologists, anthropologists, epigraphists, art historians or curators. The main innovation certainly comes from the ability to remotely manipulate, cut and read the object without any physical intrusion into the original work. Originally thought to be irreversible and non-‐reproducible, the practise of excavation and analysis, because it is entirely virtual become non-‐destructive and reproducible.
3. Databases and new collaborative practices
New resources have the advantage of maintaining the memory of an object over time, and provide a reference to examine its evolution and possible damages. The virtual access to the object also enhances interdisciplinary studies.
4. Reproduction and public diffusion
These new tools can be used to promote mediation around ethnographic and archaeological objects, opening new prospects in particular for Augmented reality experiences, 3D printing, or displacement of fragile works. These technological advances gradually transform traditional modes of teaching in the fields of art history and archaeology.
But these advances also raise growing issues related to ethics, copyright, intellectual property and reproduction: what about for instance the public diffusion of images with a magical charge?
If you are interested in presenting your research or experience in this field, please send us the title of your paper and an abstract of 500 words maximum.
Each presentation will last 20 minutes.
The languages of the conference are French and English
Deadline for submissions: Tuesday, July 1st, 2014.
Your proposal should be addressed to the following email addresses:
christophe.moulherat@quaibranly.fr nathalie.ginoux@paris-‐sorbonne.fr
The record of the lectures presented during the conference will be available online on the musée du quai Branly website (www.quaibranly.fr)
Scientific Committee
Frédéric Keck
Directeur du département de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement du musée du quai Branly/ Laboratoire d’anthropologie sociale du Collège de France, Paris
Christophe Moulherat
Chargé d'analyses des collections/référent textile, Département patrimoine et collections, musée du quai Branly
Nathalie Ginoux
Maître de conférences HDR à l’UFR d’histoire de l’art et archéologie, Université Paris IV/UMR 8167 Orient et Méditerranée – Antiquité classique et tardive
Jean-‐Pierre Van Staëvel
Professeur des Universités, Directeur adjoint de l’UFR d’histoire de l’art et archéologie, Université Paris IV/UMR 8167 Orient et Méditerranée – Islam médiéval
Comité local d’organisation
Département de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement du musée du quai Branly
Anna Gianotti Laban, Responsable de la coordination des manifestations scientifiques, Département de la Recherche et de l’Enseignement, musée du quai Branly
