An integrated 3D shape analysis and scientific visualization approach to the study of a Late Bronze Age unique stone object from Pyla-Kokkinokremos, Cyprus

Scientific visualization is a well-recognized method of inquiry into data across a wide range of disciplines. 2D still images have a long history of use in archaeology, mainly depicting artifacts, structures or plans of archaeological sites. 3D models have a relative long history in modern archaeology, mostly for presentations to the public, musealisation services or engagement in education programs. The article below aims at filling the gap, by presenting a chaine opératoire archaeological investigation of an artifact, by implementing methods of scientific visualization and shape analysis on the 3D digital and physical replicas of the object. The item is a unique stone object found at the Late Bronze Age site of Pyla-Kokkinokremos; the article details the methodological approach, implemented analysis pipeline and critical discussion of adopted methodology and the resulting archaeological interpretation.