mw. L. (Loes) Opgenhaffen MA

Introduction

I am a PhD candidate in Archaeology and in my research I explore how 3D technology could enhance studies to material culture, specifically pottery studies. I obtained both MA degree in Archaeology (2010) and BA degree in Archaeology and Prehistory (2005) at the University of Amsterdam. In 2012 I assisted dr. P.S. Lulof in the establishment of the 4D Research Lab of the University of Amsterdam, where I continued to work as research-assistant and 3D visualiser of architecture until late 2015. In 2011 I started my company LOPD Visual Solutions that is specialised in (digital) archaeological illustration.

Research interests

Although trained as an archaeologist specialised in both illustration and ancient architecture, I became increasingly interested in 3D visualisation. 3D visualisation techniques such as 3D modelling prove not only to be useful as a reconstruction technique, but also a valuable, integrated research tool of lost architecture. Other techniques, such as 3D scanning, which I initially deployed to scan architectural fragments and other objects to recontextualise them in their original (architectural or archaeological) setting, I used to enhance pottery studies. Furthermore, I am fascinated by the history of visualisation techniques in archaeology and how digital visualisation techniques impact modern archaeological method and theory.  

Current Research

Tracing the potter's wheel: investigating technological trajectories and cultural encounters in the Bronze Age Aegean

VIDI project (NWO)

This project will shed new light on the trajectories of technological innovations within the ancient Aegean, and offer alternative perspectives on how the humanities can address human-object-technology interactions within complex societies. The aim of the project is to assess the appearance of the potter’s wheel as a technological innovation within the Bronze Age Aegean. This approach uses the potter’s wheel as prism through which to investigate the transmission of craft knowledge during these two periods and the configuration of Aegean potting communities through time. A key project objective is to better understand the multi-scalar material, technological and social interactions that facilitated the transmission of the potter’s wheel in this region. A team comprising science-based, experimental and digital specialists work closely together to unravel the diffusion of the potter’s wheel. In this, I explore how 3D technology, in combination with the chaîne opératoire approach, can assist in the identification of forming techniques of pottery. What I find particularly interesting is to investigate whether the same mechanisms are responsible for the introduction of new (3D) visualisation technology in the modern archaeological practice and the introduction of the potter’s wheel as a technological innovation in local workshops.

www.tracingthewheel.eu

Affiliations

Member Scientific Board 4D Research Lab

Staff member and illustrator Satricum Research Project

Courses

Omgaan met materiële bronnen 2 (Visualisation part; 1^st year course)