Re-Imagining the Collection Through Medical Imaging: Collaboration Between Radiology and the Museum

Abstract

Since the 1950s, radiography has been a tool used in the scientific analysis of artworks of diverse media. For ceramics, this non-destructive process allows interior views of vessels, giving insight into material composition, artistic practice, and original use. Recent advances in CT imaging can now reveal different materials within the scan range, illuminating, for example, metal components of the clay or within the decorative slip. This case study discusses the medical imaging of eight ceramic vessels dating from circa 300–1500 CE from Central and South America from the perspective of the radiologists and curatorial team who led the collaboration at Duke University. The resulting CT scans shed light on ancient artistic practice, in addition to the use of these objects in ritual and musical performance. This article provides an overview of those findings while providing recommendations for best practices in creating partnerships between museums and medical imaging departments.