Abstract
With the rapid development of 3D scanning, image processing and virtual reality, we have now entered the era of information technology for cultural heritage protection. Digital conservation of cultural relics has become an important subject of scientific research and the results have been widely applied in archaeology, palaeoanthropology and other fields. This study introduces applications for the digital and virtual restoration of an ancient human skull, the study of which holds considerable significance for the study of history and civilisation. The application of digital technology in palaeoanthropology is introduced, including the analysis of human evolution along with statistical analysis, racial differences, and restoration of physiognomy. The key digital technologies applied are described along with methods such as craniofacial data modelling, craniofacial restoration and realistic digital appearance processing. The examples provided are virtual restorations of the skull of a Tang Dynasty Princess Li Chui, an ancient Qihe skull and a Qin female skull in order to demonstrate the technologies for restoration and digitising ancient remains. The continuous development and innovation of computer technologies and the improvement of relevant methodologies will support researchers undertaking research in the field of palaeo-anthropology.
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Geng, G., Zhou, M., Yang, W., Wan, T.R., Tang, W. (2022). The Digital Restoration of an Ancient Skull’s Appearance for Palaeoanthropological Study. In: Ch'ng, E., Chapman, H., Gaffney, V., Wilson, A.S. (eds) Visual Heritage: Digital Approaches in Heritage Science. Springer Series on Cultural Computing. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-77028-0_8
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