Egyptology and Technology
Discover the modern research practices of Egyptologists at Macquarie University
By Macquarie University
Bree Kelly, Dr Linda Evans, Dr Brian Ballsun-Stanton
Professor Ockinga within tomb of Harkhuf (2015) by Susanne BinderMacquarie University
Ancient History at Macquarie University
Australia's Macquarie University has an exemplary Ancient History department, boasting many esteemed academics, all of whom conduct pioneering research.
Fabricius Workshop Screenshot (2020) by Bree Kelly and Brian Ballsun-StantonMacquarie University
Macquarie University academics employ rigorous and thorough research methods, which often involve innovative technologies and digital tools, from photography techniques like photogrammetry and 3D scanning, to ancient script typesetting and digital tracing.
Linda Evans at Giza (2015) by Dr Linda EvansMacquarie University
Dr Linda Evans
Let's meet Dr Linda Evans and discover how she uses digital technologies in her research.
Wall decoration of man and two animals (Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12, Reign of Amenemhat II (c. 1918-1884 BCE)) by Ahmed SuleimanMacquarie University
What is your research focus at Macquarie University?
Ethology is a branch of Biology that deals with the study of animals. Archaeology is the study of ancient cultures. Linda's research occurs at the nexus of these fields of study.
Wall decoration of man hunting (Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12, Reign of Amenemhat II (c. 1918-1884 BCE)) by Ahmed SuleimanMacquarie University
How have you used digital technology in your research?
Linda has used traditional methods of research in her work for most of her career. However, in 2014, Linda was inspired by an article on the paintings of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, by ANU graduate student Noel Hidalgo Tan, in which a technology called DStretch was implemented.
Dr Linda Evans uses DStretch to identify hidden details in Egyptian Wall Paintings (2020) by Dr Linda EvansMacquarie University
"Like Magic"
Unfortunately, the paintings of ancient cultures often fade so much we can barely see them anymore. The before and after photographs in Noel Tan's article demonstrated how DStretch allows us to see details of paintings that we would never be able to with the naked eye alone.
Wall Decoration of tomb owner using clapnet (Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12, Reign of Amenemhat II (c. 1918-1884 BCE)) by Ahmed SuleimanMacquarie University
In 2015, Linda traveled to a site in Egypt called Beni Hassan, where she was able to study artwork depicting animals in many tombs and test out this new technique of analysing images.
Dr Linda Evans uses DStretch to identify hidden details in Egyptian Wall Paintings (2020) by Dr Linda EvansMacquarie University
How does DStretch work?
DStretch refers to a process called Colour Decorrelation Stretching. It involves manipulating the intensity and saturation of the colours in a digital image.
Wall decoration showing a herd of pigs with a piglet via DStretch using CRGB Colourspace for Colour Decorrelation Stretching by Anna-Latifa MouradMacquarie University
Hidden Piglet
In one of the tombs Linda investigated at Beni Hassan, the original line drawing of the wall was missing one little detail. DStretch revealed a little piglet, barely visible to the naked eye.
DStretch allowed the documentation of this tomb to be updated, and thus become more accurate. This is important, as these tombs deteriorate and paint fades, so being able to make more accurate records means that future generations can see accurate details from the tombs, should they become lost to time.
Dr Linda Evans uses DStretch to identify hidden details in Egyptian Wall Paintings (2020) by Dr Linda EvansMacquarie University
Updating the Academic Record
Wall decoration of vulture via DStretch using LDS Colourspace for Colour Decorrelation Stretching by Anna-Latifa MouradMacquarie University
Mistaken Identity
In another tomb at Beni Hassan, belonging to a man named Khety, a depiction of what was thought to be a hawk in flight was revealed through DStretch to actually be a vulture.
Extra Details
The DStretch analysis also revealed some extra details of the spherical object in the vulture's talons. Initially believed to be an egg, the extra details allowed further study to be conducted, with alternative interpretations considered.
Is DStretch now in your ‘researcher toolkit’?
Although DStretch opens up new avenues of analysis of digital images, it requires a lot of skill and knowledge to use. Linda acknowledges the limitations of the technique, but insists on the invaluable tool that DStretch has become in her research.
Wall decoration showing hunters and dog Wall decoration showing hunters and dog (Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12, Reign of Amenemhat II (c. 1918-1884 BCE))Macquarie University
Research in the 'Modern World'
Digital technologies and electronic resources are invaluable additions to the tool kit of any researcher. However, it is often a combination of traditional and new techniques that provides the most illuminating results, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration.
Bree Kelly
Dr Linda Evans
Dr Brian Ballsun-Stanton
Special Thanks to:
Dr Boyo Ockinga
Dr Noel Hidalgo Tan
