Archaeometric Investigation & Digital Reconstruction of the Royal Ivory-&-Gold Couches of Aigai / “Open Lab”
Bringing ancient masterpieces back to life
This research project focused on the archaeometric study of the materials, technology, and construction techniques of the two royal ivory-and-gold symposium couches discovered in the unlooted tomb of Philip II at Aigai. These are the only surviving examples of ancient ivory-and-gold craftsmanship preserved in their entirety—masterpieces of global cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO. Polyptychon’s role was to creatively merge archaeometric data and archaeological research into a coherent digital restoration of the original form of the royal couches. This process not only preserved essential knowledge but also brought these extraordinary works back to life in the digital realm. The project culminated in a 45-minute documentary capturing the full process of diagnosis, documentation, and reconstruction.
Year
2022 - 2023
Client
GSRI - General Secretariat for Research and Innovation
Categories
Exploration, Innovation, Dissemination
The film, along with the reconstructed forms, is presented in a specially designed educational “open lab” at the Polycentric Museum of Aigai, offering visitors an immersive look into both the science of conservation and the artistry of ancient craftsmanship.
Polyptychon
Cultural Services