Preservation and reproduction of an ancient human humerus through x-ray microscopy and 3D printing

The combination of X-ray Microscopy (XRM) and three-dimensional virtual reconstruction has enabled the digitization and restoration of broken artifacts. By scanning, acquiring, and virtually stitching together the 3D reconstructions of individual broken pieces, damaged relics can be visualized as if they were intact objects. These virtually reconstructed samples can then be reproduced as physical copies through 3D printing, allowing for the sharing of rare findings in museum exhibits worldwide so that printed copies can be displayed for public exposure, while the original pieces remain preserved. This paper aims to demonstrate the application of these reconstruction principles to an artificially modified human humerus belonging to the II–I millennium BC. The humerus was bent into the shape of a serpent for ritual purposes related to the ancient “Snake Cult”, which was widespread in the Persian Gulf area during the Iron Age. Following the scanning and software elaboration processes, the pieces were printed in Polylactic Acid (PLA) as a single object and made available to the public, thus giving new life to a unique piece of history.