The Model – Shiva Nataraja Statuette difficulties with minor movements – MA2006.24.1
This model is a near perfect example of some of the harder aspects of objects to capture, ranging from its darker colouration, metal material, thin figure & moving parts! All we needed was some opaque jewels embedded to induce the worst headache seen by humankind. To tackle these issues, I (Jackson) turned to some surefire methods to ensure the best possible shots for the dataset: A diffuse light tent, a stable automatic turntable, a fixed tripod, a polarising lens, and some museum putty to secure the object in place. Oh and enough editing in post to make the eyes water.
The original artifact tells an interesting story outside of adversity within the scanning studio though, as Shiva as the Lord of Dance (Nataraja) is a venerated figure in the various aspects of the Hindu faith. The design of these types of statues was that of the Lord Shiva enacting a dance-based performance. In a manner similar to the art adorning the walls of prestigious chapels, synagogues, mosques & other various residences of faith, these would often be found in the temples of Southern India.
What’s interesting is that these sorts of statutes were designed for mobility, as they were often carried adorned with decorative clothing in processions flanked by priests offering blessings and prayers. As mentioned in the difficulties, these statues had a certain amount of movement inherent in the design. This would mean that in as they are carried along, they would appear to be moving through the motions of the performance.
By stabilising the artifact, and through some post-production masking, this model was able to be created over the course of less than a week, if you have anything you previously thought isn’t a likely candidate for digital reconstruction, contact us for a meeting and we can discuss just how feasible it really is.