Senses and Activities: a Virtual Reconstruction of the Potter’s Workshop and the North Area of Quartier Mu at Malia (c. 1800-1700 BC)

Abstract

This article aims to reconstruct the sensory space in which craft activities took place in the Quartier Mu at Malia, an urban district dating to the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC in Crete. The study focuses on two areas: Room VIII 5* of the Potter’s workshop and the North Area, where pottery manufacturing, stone roughing out, drilling, and polishing were carried out. The goal of the research is to address sensory questions, including the sounds surrounding and generated by these activities and the light ambiances in which they were performed, at several moments throughout the day and at dusk. To achieve this goal, the activities were experimentally reproduced and the sounds they emitted were recorded. The light ambiances produced were reconstructed using replicas of lamps found in Room VIII 5*. 3D models of the spaces were designed and short, animated videos focusing on the gestures of artisans and the captured sensory ambiances were generated. The study provides valuable insights into the sensory ambiances of a Bronze Age town, showing craft activities taking place until dusk and sounds generated by stone working that contributed to the rhythm of daily life.

Keywords

• Minoan Crete
• Lived space
• 3D modelling
• Sensory archaeology
• Craft activities