Restoring 3,000-Year-Old Artifacts Using 3D Laser Scanning Services

Scientists have recently unveiled an archaeological site with nearly 13,000 relics discovered in six sacrificial pits in Sichuan Province, China. Researchers used 3D laser scanning services technology to record and restore unearthed ancient artifacts. The Sanxingdui archaeological site is one of the world’s most famous ancient sites due to its enriched cultural contents and vast size. 

How Scientists Are Using 3D Laser Scanning Services

Since 2020, archaeologists have adopted a new research method to uncover the mystery of this ancient site. Through expertise across different fields and disciplines, archaeologists have discovered that the ancient site dates back 3,000 years. 

In addition, archaeologists adopted high-tech research methods to bring the charm of this ancient site to the public. 3D scanning services was critical in Scantech’s efforts to showcase the site’s ingenious and fine craftsmanship.

Relics discovered in this archaeological site were found crushed and broken, unlike other delicate artifacts displayed in museums. Evidence shows that these relics were used for ceremonial rites before being thrown into the pit. 

Since broken bronze pieces were so many, it was time-consuming and challenging to replicate the artifacts with bare hands. Archaeologists took more than ten years to repair the sacred trees discovered at this ancient site. 

Researchers first assembled the pieces to see how they looked before restoring the sacred tree No. 3. They used 3D laser scanning services to capture all the detail about the sacred tree No. 3. The tree had 69 branches, and its data was captured using handheld 3D laser scanners.

Scantech’s 3D laser scanners enabled archaeologists to obtain accurate 3D data of relic fragments. Then the data was transferred into 3D software to reconstruct virtual branches. Virtual assembly allows scientists to create a virtual representation of the divine tree No. 3. 

The application of 3D scanning helped prevent damaging artifacts before the actual repair. Assembling these pieces virtually also stimulated the repair process and provided accurate data that shed insight into the subsequent reconstruction phase. 

Plus, the data captured using 3D laser scans was stored, and archaeologists can retrieve it for future use. After the virtual assembling of the broken tree No. 3, researchers could restore the delicate bronze tree without damaging any component. 

The efforts to bring other cultural relics to the China-based Sanxingdui site are still in full swing. Archaeologists at the site believe that new technologies, such as 3D scanning, will play a critical role in restoring cultural treasures. Using 3D scanners will minimize damage caused to artifacts before the actual restoration process begins.