Biggs Jack

This is an abstract from the « Towards a Standardization of Photogrammetric Methods in Archaeology: A Conversation about ‘Best Practices’ in An Emerging Methodology » session, at the 84th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology. The Maya Cranial Photogrammetry Project consists of a database of digitized crania that can be used to investigate questions related to biological and cultural histories. The shape of human remains reflects a complex interplay between the environment and genetics, and thus can be used to reconstruct evolutionary processes. Typical methods rely on obtaining metric data directly from the physical remains, however, poor preservation and prolonged access have proven challenging. 3D modeling technologies have emerged and made it possible to preserve the remains and access collections remotely. Despite these victories, digital data has manifested its own challenges, such as; management, preservation, and of particular concern when discussing digitized human remains, security and access. Utilizing crania from Tipu, a Colonial mission site located in western Belize, 3D models were created using photogrammetry and craniometric data were produced digitally. This paper does not aim to address the biological and cultural transitions occurring in the contact period, but instead use the growing database as an opportunity to explore guidelines and best practices in the management of digitally produced and recorded data.