Mining Our Past
A Comparison of Peruvian Silver Refineries with West Virginia Coal Mines
3-D Models
Creating 3-D models of artifacts using photogrammetry
Making the models
3-D models of artifacts were created by taking hundreds of photographs at slightly different angles. The photos were then uploaded into a photogrammetry program (Agisoft PhotoScan). This program was able to overlay each photograph to create a 3-D surface of the artifact, the was later filled in with color and texture. The models were then exported to 3-D printers.
Spindle Whorl
A ceramic spindle whorl recovered from a colonial silver refining mill. Spindle whorls were fitted to the end of wooden spindles and used to increase the speed of the spindle, when spinning raw wool into yarn.
17th-18th century.
Chert Scraper
A stone tool used for scraping and chopping. Made from red chert material. It was uncovered from excavations at a colonial silver refinery, where metal tools were very infrequent.
17th - 18th century.
The Making of a 3-D Model
The stages of a spindle whorl
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