Replicating Artefacts from the King’s Seat

AOC is delighted to have worked with Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust to put together a new exhibition for display at Dunkeld Community Archive.

The display includes replica metalworking moulds, a decorated spindle whorl and an iron chisel, among others. The original artefacts were discovered during a community archaeology project at the King’s Seat hillfort near Dunkeld (read more here). Artefact specialists from AOC Archaeology Group selected some of their favourite objects from the site, to be reproduced as 3D laser printed models. AOC created the models on behalf of Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, who have gifted them to Dunkeld Community Archive for display, and to form part of their collections.

The models were painstakingly hand-painted to replicate the colours and textures of the originals. Each object provides information on life at the fort during the early medieval period, providing insights into the crafts and activities undertaken there as well as demonstrating the ancient community’s far flung connections across Britain and beyond.

3D printing of replica artefacts is growing more popular in archaeology, providing opportunities for tactile experiences when the genuine objects are too delicate to be handled freely. 3D prints can also be displayed in settings that are not climate-controlled (e.g. smaller museums and heritage centres) without risk to the originals, where certain circumstances could result in deterioration.

The exhibition includes a QR code that takes visitors to a webpage with more information about the King’s Seat Hillfort Project, the artefacts, and the process of 3D printing: https://www.aocarchaeology.com/kings-seat

The replicas are painted by hand to closely resemble the originals

Ruth Brown of Dunkeld Community Archive takes a look at the replica chisel