Representation of Motifs and Surface Morphology of the Beaker from Chalade’em Cemetery of Shal in Khalkhal, Ardabil, Based on the Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) Data

Many historical-cultural artifacts obtained from archaeological excavations are not fully visible due to post-depositional processes, and their complete recovery requires specific tools and methods. Various approaches to reveal motifs and surface information of objects face challenges such as limited access, transportation issues, cost-effectiveness, and applicability to different types of items. The Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) method is a computational imaging technique that produces high-quality images that can be dynamically exposed and viewed from multiple angles and enhancement by various algorithmic rendering textures and surface color This method on effective historical objects has shown effective results from the technical study of production technology and surface morphology. A case study of this method is the discovered Beaker from Chalade’em cemetery which was excavated in 2017 from Shal Khalkhal village, Ardabil province, and is currently kept in the Ardabil Archaeological Museum The decoration of this Beaker. Due to the delicacy of its execution and high surface dirt and corrosion deposits, even after cleaning, it was not completely clear and legible in the conservation and restoration process. Results from RTI method led to the acquisition of various information on the surface in revealing the motif implementation method, evidence of use, morphology of corrosion products and representation of the role. Finally, based on the reading of the motifs, and the interpretation of the motifs, it can be said that this beaker dates back to the end of the second millennium to the beginning of the first millennium BC.