Paper short abstract

Using case studies from current digital reconstructions, this paper will investigate how archaeological reconstructions are assembled, and how the act of assembling them and the consequential output, functions as an archaeological interpretative process.

Paper long abstract

For many years illustration (digital or otherwise) and the process of reconstruction have been considered as 'the final step' or accumulation of archaeological practice, rather than an integral part of the interpretation process (Sorrell 1981). Building upon my own experience as an archaeological illustrator and digital artist, this paper will investigate the potential and application of various creative media (hand-drawn illustration, 3D modelling and animation, virtual reality technologies, etc) to the process of archaeological reconstruction and interpretation.

In order to investigate how archaeological reconstructions are assembled and how the act of assembling them and the consequential output functions as an archaeological interpretative process this paper will consider case studies from my own previous projects. Namely, the great hall reconstruction from Bodiam Castle in East Sussex and the prehistoric ceremonial complex animation at Forteviot, Perthshire as well as discussing the theoretical direction of my current PhD. Research.