Virtual Reconstruction of a Dismembered Andean Mummy from CT Data

This paper describes the procedure adopted to provide the virtual reconstruction of a dismembered Andean mummy. Starting from Computed Tomography (CT) data of single fragments, advanced Computer Graphics tools and methods have been implemented to obtain the three dimensional (3D) model of the whole mummy in the proper anatomical position. The conservation of the mummy depends on caring for the external tissue and the internal skeletal structure. Therefore the main aim of this work is to decrease the number of damages due to the manipulation of the remains in traditional approach since restoration interventions can be performed by means of virtual tools in a CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment). At the same time it provides new challenges in cultural heritage dissemination and exhibition. Furthermore qualitative and quantitative information have been obtained for anthropological analysis and measurements.