Computer-assisted reconstruction of virtual fragmented cuneiform tablets

Abstract

Cuneiform is one of the earliest known systems of writing consisting of wedge-shaped strokes forming signs impressed on clay tablets. Excavated cuneiform tablets are typically fragmented and their reconstruction is, at best, tedious but more often intractable given that fragments can be distributed within and between different collections. Digital archives relevant to cultural heritage, such as the Cuneiform Digital Palaeography Project [1]-[4] and the Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative [5], [6], now make richly annotated artefact media available to wide populations. Similarly, developments in computer-aided three-dimensional reconstruction methods offer the potential to assist in the restoration of broken artefacts. In this paper, a system for providing computer assistance for identifying and orientating matching fragment pairs is described. Metrics to grade the quality and likely significance of potential matches are also described. Finally, the results from experiments with scans of laboratory fabricated tablet fragments and genuine fragmented cuneiform tablets are reported.