Researchers replicate rare cuneiform tablets using 3-D scanning and printing

Cornell Chronicle ^ | Monday, May 23, 2011 | Anne Ju

[SunkenCiv]

Today's Assyriology scholars study Sumerian and Babylonian cuneiform tablets with the help of digital photographs or handwritten copies of the texts, but ideally, they visit collections to see the tablets firsthand.

Technology could introduce a new way to connect researchers to these precious, unique artifacts by creating exact replicas.

Such an effort is under way at Cornell in the lab of Hod Lipson, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, who specializes in the burgeoning field of 3-D scanning and printing of everyday objects.

Natasha Gangjee '12, a student in Lipson's lab, worked with six cuneiform tablets to try and replicate them exactly using optical scanning and layer-by-layer printing technology. A former student of Lipson's, Evan Malone, made an initial prototype.

"If we can create very accurate reproductions, this would be a great help to us," said David I. Owen, the Bernard and Jane Schapiro Professor of Ancient Near Eastern and Judaic Studies.

Tablets can be copied using latex molds, but this runs the risk of damaging the original, Owen said.

Download and print your own cuneiform tablet at http://creativemachines.cornell.edu/cuneiform.

[SunkenCiv]

[Jason Koski/University Photography] On the left is an original cuneiform tablet, compared with a scanned and printed replica. Below is an enlarged replica of the same tablet.

[SunkenCiv]

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[SunkenCiv]

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[Ciexyz]

Wonder of wonders.

[freedumb2003]

Is this an extension of the 90 year Assyrian “Dictionary” (”Encyclopedia” seems to be the better term)?

Or part of it or...?

Either way, if I could even begin to understand what happened in ancient humanity — to see with their eyes — I would be greatly enriched (as should we all).

[bigheadfred]

This is really good. Especially as it seems really affordable. I don’t have to be as rich as an oil company to reap the benefits.

Next, or maybe they have them, 3d computer screens.

[hellbender]

Archeologist: "Ah. I can read it now. It says....'Your... treasury... is empty...and...traitors have let the enemy within your gates...' "

Some things never change.

[coydog]

If they ever get a means of 3-D printing metal objects, or something with a metal base, gun control will become a footnote in history if anyone can download themselves a .44

[Domangart]

They have had this method for 20 years. It uses the lost wax method.