The Next Dimension of Representation: The Role of Photogrammetric 3D Modeling in Digital Heritage Preservation of Indigenous Material Culture.

摘要

With items of indigenous cultural heritage spread throughout museums across the world, there has been a growing movement over the past few decades to reconnect these items with their origin communities. While many projects emphasized the importance of complete physical repatriation of material items, there are instances when this route may not be ideal or possible. Instead, with a rapid development in digital technologies, anthropologists, museum personnel, and indigenous communities have explored other ways in which both tangible and intangible cultural heritage can be returned to communities and preserved through digital means.;The purpose of this thesis is to examine how the technology of photogrammetric 3D modeling can be used to contribute to reconnecting indigenous groups with their knowledge and culture, as well as addressing issues of representation that are inherent in working with indigenous communities by using a multi-method research approach. A critical discourse analysis (CDA) of literature pertaining to digital heritage projects illuminates themes and trends relating to indigenous representation. 3D modeling using photogrammetric structure from motion (SFM) techniques explores challenges in representing ethnographic collections, and investigates how the technology can be used in a collaborative setting.;In collaboration with the Alaska Heritage Museum at Wells Fargo in Anchorage, AK, and the Social Science Program of Kawerak, Inc. of Nome, AK, this thesis draws upon a pilot project that explores digital heritage preservation using 3D modeling to digitally repatriate information about museum collection pieces to the Bering Straits Region of Alaska. Integrating this 3D technology into fully collaborative digital heritage projects will open up a realm of possibilities for how to indigenize and decolonize museum collections, give more power to indigenous groups in controlling the representation of their cultural heritage, and aid in the repatriation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.;Within the larger discourse of digital heritage projects, the ideas of access, agency, power, and representation need to be addressed in current and future projects when working with indigenous communities and their cultural heritage. While there have been efforts to address these through collaboration, relationship building, and culturally tailored projects, there are still discrepancies in how indigenous cultural heritage is represented. 3D technologies offer the potential to alleviate some of these issues, which are explored through applications of the technology pertaining to museum and local perspectives.