Twelfth International Conference on e-Learning & Innovative Pedagogies

Abstract

This paper highlights a collaboration between Barnard College technologist administrators, a professor of archaeology, and the American Natural History Museum. Currently there are many Picuris Pubelo artifacts from the Spinden collection at the American Natural History Museum, which the tribe would like to return to New Mexico, United States; however the AMNH legally acquired these objects from the late 1800s/early 1900s, and the tribe currently doesn’t have the proper facilities to archive these objects (e.g. climate controlled storage). However using 3D scanning, photography, and 3D printing, these artifacts have been digitally catalogued, and contributes to ideas around “digital repatriation,” where digital representations of tribal artifacts can be added to collective knowledge and “returned” to their origins. This project also highlights increased student engagement and hands-on learning with archaeology and anthropology.