Photogrammetry for 3D representation of human remains from the necropolis KR-N1 in Dhofar (Southern Oman): digital technology applied to osteo-archaeological studies

The poorly preserved human bones discovered during the DHOMIAP Project excavation of the necropolis KR-N1 in the area of Khor Rori (Dhofar, Sultanate of Oman) were an opportunity to apply, for the first time in Dhofar’s pre-Islamic funerary contexts, 3D photogrammetry to osteo-archaeological studies. The low economic engagement and the execution speed make this technique essential in the documentation of barely accessible archaeological remains and contexts, as already witnessed by previous studies conducted outside this research area. This paper aims to find a more appropriate method and setting for 3D model photogrammetric reconstruction of human remains, demonstrating the importance of this digital technology for the study of poorly preserved osteo-archaeological remains. For these purposes, the results obtained using two different settings for image acquisition (one with macro and one with standard lens) were compared and discussed.