3D imaging is revolutionising archaeological research on ‘fossilised’ textiles

We are delighted to see achievements of a multidisciplinary hard work in the open publication by Clémence Iacconi et al. revealing the « the extraordinary diversity of the textiles, as well as the presence of very rare tablet-woven textiles, hitherto known only from a handful of burials from the period [Iron Age]. « 

Under the co-supervision of Emilie Leccia, scientist and technical project manager at Novitom, Clémence carried out methodological development regarding  X-ray microtomography data collection and 3D-data analysis of very fragile pieces of Iron Age textiles.

Clémence explains: “The fact that we have 3D volumes means that we can carry out a non-invasive virtual and intensive search of these textiles. In this way, we can characterise them more precisely both morphologically (technical study) and chemically (compositions thanks to density contrasts).” [Représenter les textiles minéralisés du passé | ENS-PARIS-SACLAY, in French only]

It was a real challenge for Novitom anc Clémence to develop new approaches for analysing and representing these textiles, exceptional by their age but complex in their structure and state of conservation. Virtual technical analysis of archaeological textiles by synchrotron microtomography – ScienceDirect

[August 2024]

It’s been a real pleasure to work with Clémence ! What an exciting experience for Novitom to actively participate in these archaeological discoveries during a PhD project. We will remember for a long time our emotion when we discovered together the hidden parts of these precious textiles from the Iron Age.

Funding and research partners: Université Paris-Saclay | ENS Paris-Saclay | CNRS | Sorbonne Université | Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi | UVSQ Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines | Ministère de la Culture | Museum national d’Histoire naturelle | Synchrotron SOLEIL

As an independent laboratory, Novitom provides organisations of all types with access to synchrotron micro- and nano- tomography.

  • Regular access to state-of-the-art instruments at synchrotron facilities
  • Expertise in experimental design for high-resolution phase contrast microtomography
  • Expertise in extracting information and physical parameters from 3D images in combination with auxiliary techniques

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