Handcrafted Reproduction of a 17th Century Bema Door Supported by 3D Digitization and CNC Machining
Source abstract
Abstract
During the Ottoman period, wood had replaced marble in Orthodox churches. Between the 16th and 19th century, common, unknown craftsmen created wonderful wood-carved ecclesiastical works by hand, though many of them have been partially or completely destroyed, usually without any of their images being saved. Advances in technology now make it possible to develop a detailed digital copy of an object of our cultural heritage, creating an unaltered prototype material to be studied by all, while offering in parallel the ease of reproducing precise copies, ensuring even museum quality standards. In the present study, a corresponding attempt to record, scan and then reconstruct a 17th century “Bema Door” (located in the Holy Monastery of Hilandar in Mount Athos) is implemented, presented step-by-step and discussed, in order to highlight the challenges and potential of the applied methods. The process included on-site recording of a 3D digital scan, and then the creation of the Bema door copy, first applying Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machining and then, with elaborate handwork by experienced wood-carvers who successfully completed the process, imparting the necessary and unique human artistic character. The current work transfers the experience on this reproduction technique applied in a Bema door element, shares significant information and details on tools, materials, process steps, etc., in order to be an inspiration and stimulus for the preservation or reproduction of other cultural heritage monuments of high importance.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: 3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage · Conservation Techniques and Studies · Archaeological Research and Protection
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Laboratory of Wood Technology, Department of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54635 Thessaloniki, Greece
“Xilogliptiki-Wood Carving-Emilios Ekonomidis & Sons” Company, N. Efkarpia, 57013 Thessaloniki, Greece
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