Ancient Near Eastern Material Culture Studies and Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI)

Reflectance Transformation Imaging is a burgeoning photographic method for the documentation and analysis of material culture. Many previous photographic techniques used for the study of inscriptions and works of art, while helpful, failed to capture the fullest amount of data available to epigraphers, paleographers, and art historians. RTI utilizes dynamic light sources to produce images that can be digitally manipulated to reveal subtle details not detectable by examination with the naked eye or with the use of standard photographic procedures, thus preserving information that might otherwise be lost. This article highlights the potential that RTI has to facilitate access to ancient Near Eastern works of art and incised inscriptions. Several case studies demonstrate
the benefits of this technology for academic research and for the preservation of and open access to cultural heritage objects. Exemplars include ancient Egyptian statues re-inscribed with Northwest Semitic inscriptions, several anepigraphic bullae, and Palmyrene funerary reliefs.