There are two things essential for making a good reconstruction.
Research and a good imagination.
Archaeological evidence is varied, but almost always incomplete. Sometimes we are lucky enough to have complete objects in perfect condition like some of the objects in this collection. But more often than not we only have fragments, tiny bits of ceramic, a few scraps of metal. But by gathering as many little pieces of objects, and using scientific analysis we can build an idea of how things might have been.
In the past reconstruction images were drawn or painted, built from wood, or modelled in clay. Today computer visualisations and AI generated images are more common, letting us bring in movement, sound and interactivity.
But even the most elaborate 3D reconstructions usually begin with simple sketch.
Activity:
Create your own reconstruction!
Below is the hand draw reconstruction of the squashed and crumbled cremation urn. The drawing shows the profile – an imagined slice through the side of the pot. It is based on the original object, but also knowledge of other pots, and fragments of pots known from the same time and material. We’ve also included some 3D renderings based on this research drawings.
Jaszczów, Lublin Voivodeship, vessel with ram’s head, grave no. 1. Drawing by A. Kokowski
See if you can do the same things with Gokstad cup?
You can do this with pen and paper, computer software, or clay.
- Research: Before you begin, get to know what it is. Read the description online, look at others in the collection (link) and find something that might be a little bit like it in your own home as inspiration.
- Study: Study your resources carefully.
- Start simple: Draw a simple profile, like the one we show here, or make a basic form in your clay.
- Add details: go back to your examples. What details are you missing and need to add? Do this until you can’t find anything else that needs to add.
- Set the scene: Now you’ve got your cup it’s just the beginning! What was it used for? Who used it? Can you imagine the hand that held it, the room it was used in, the smells and sounds of life all around it? Imagination, pen and paper, stories, computers, or songs – you can use whatever you want for this part.
Go to the 3D artifact gallery to find more inspiration:
Learn more about archaeological finds from popular science articles: