3D modeling as a tool for Paiján artifact preservation, dissemination, and analysis

Abstract

Paiján lithic studies have provided significant insights into the technological behaviors of hunter-gatherer groups in the Andean region during the Late Pleistocene-Early Holocene. Over decades, research has predominantly relied on typological, technological, and experimental approaches. While valuable, these methods often lack quantification, replicability, and are heavily influenced by analysts’ experience and intuition. Estimating volumes, angles, convexities, and cross-sections remains challenging and subjective. This study evaluates the potential of 3D tools to address these limitations. We applied 3D and documentation techniques to a lithic sample from Quebrada Santo Domingo (Laredo, Trujillo) in the subtropical desert of the lower Moche Valley, northern Peru. These artifacts face destruction due to industrial and urban expansion, underscoring the urgency of their preservation. Our findings demonstrate the utility of 3D analysis in enhancing the accuracy of shape and geometry assessments while supporting digital preservation and enabling broader, more objective dissemination of archaeological data.