The Open Aurignacian Project: 3D scanning and the digital preservation of the Italian Paleolithic record

Abstract Here, we introduce an open-access database of 3D models of stone tools (n = 2,016) from four Early Upper Paleolithic sequences excavated south of the Alps and along Peninsular Italy, including Grotta della Cala, Grotta di Castelcivita, Grotta di Fumane, and Riparo Bombrini. Available throug...

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Main Authors: Armando Falcucci, Adriana Moroni, Fabio Negrino, Marco Peresani, Julien Riel-Salvatore
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-06-01
Series:Scientific Data
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-05330-z
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author Armando Falcucci
Adriana Moroni
Fabio Negrino
Marco Peresani
Julien Riel-Salvatore
author_facet Armando Falcucci
Adriana Moroni
Fabio Negrino
Marco Peresani
Julien Riel-Salvatore
author_sort Armando Falcucci
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Here, we introduce an open-access database of 3D models of stone tools (n = 2,016) from four Early Upper Paleolithic sequences excavated south of the Alps and along Peninsular Italy, including Grotta della Cala, Grotta di Castelcivita, Grotta di Fumane, and Riparo Bombrini. Available through four self-standing Zenodo repositories, these models enable in-depth analysis of core reduction procedures, reduction intensity, and shape variability. Unlike other repositories, this database has been actively used to address archaeological questions, providing a comprehensive demonstration of the use of 3D models in lithic analysis. The Open Aurignacian Project utilizes various scanning devices, including the Artec Spider, Artec Micro, and micro-computed tomography, with a focus on enhancing the reproducibility and accessibility of archaeological data. This paper presents the scanning methodology, dataset organization, and technical validation of the project, while also discussing the scientific potential of these data to foster cross-continental research collaboration. Our open-sharing initiative is designed to stimulate inter-regional studies of human behavioral evolution, offering new opportunities to address questions in Paleolithic studies through the FAIR principles.
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spelling doaj-art-b2a297041d2b4e40bd582682d3db13132025-08-20T02:10:29ZengNature PortfolioScientific Data2052-44632025-06-0112111510.1038/s41597-025-05330-zThe Open Aurignacian Project: 3D scanning and the digital preservation of the Italian Paleolithic recordArmando Falcucci0Adriana Moroni1Fabio Negrino2Marco Peresani3Julien Riel-Salvatore4Department of Geosciences, Prehistory and Archaeological Sciences Research Unit, Eberhard Karls University of TübingenDepartment of Physical Sciences, Earth, and Environment, Prehistory and Anthropology Research Unit, University of SienaDepartment of Antiquities, Philosophy, and History, University of GenoaDepartment of Humanities, Prehistoric and Anthropological Sciences Unit, University of FerraraDepartment of Anthropology, University of MontrealAbstract Here, we introduce an open-access database of 3D models of stone tools (n = 2,016) from four Early Upper Paleolithic sequences excavated south of the Alps and along Peninsular Italy, including Grotta della Cala, Grotta di Castelcivita, Grotta di Fumane, and Riparo Bombrini. Available through four self-standing Zenodo repositories, these models enable in-depth analysis of core reduction procedures, reduction intensity, and shape variability. Unlike other repositories, this database has been actively used to address archaeological questions, providing a comprehensive demonstration of the use of 3D models in lithic analysis. The Open Aurignacian Project utilizes various scanning devices, including the Artec Spider, Artec Micro, and micro-computed tomography, with a focus on enhancing the reproducibility and accessibility of archaeological data. This paper presents the scanning methodology, dataset organization, and technical validation of the project, while also discussing the scientific potential of these data to foster cross-continental research collaboration. Our open-sharing initiative is designed to stimulate inter-regional studies of human behavioral evolution, offering new opportunities to address questions in Paleolithic studies through the FAIR principles.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-05330-z
spellingShingle Armando Falcucci
Adriana Moroni
Fabio Negrino
Marco Peresani
Julien Riel-Salvatore
The Open Aurignacian Project: 3D scanning and the digital preservation of the Italian Paleolithic record
Scientific Data
title The Open Aurignacian Project: 3D scanning and the digital preservation of the Italian Paleolithic record
title_full The Open Aurignacian Project: 3D scanning and the digital preservation of the Italian Paleolithic record
title_fullStr The Open Aurignacian Project: 3D scanning and the digital preservation of the Italian Paleolithic record
title_full_unstemmed The Open Aurignacian Project: 3D scanning and the digital preservation of the Italian Paleolithic record
title_short The Open Aurignacian Project: 3D scanning and the digital preservation of the Italian Paleolithic record
title_sort open aurignacian project 3d scanning and the digital preservation of the italian paleolithic record
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-05330-z
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