Digital archiving of pre-Columbian human remains from the National Museum of Archaeology (MUNARQ) in La Paz, Bolivia

Abstract

This article presents the findings of the first comprehensive project that applied virtual archaeology techniques to document, reconstruct in three dimensions, and ethically manage pre-Columbian human remains housed at the National Museum of Archaeology (MUNARQ) in La Paz, Bolivia. The project digitized 47 individuals from the MUNARQ anthropological collection, including 16 complete mummified individuals and 31 human skulls with intentional cranial modification and trepanation. The non-invasive methodology employed high-resolution photogrammetry techniques. Data capture was performed in RAW format using a full-frame Nikon D750 with a fixed 50 mm lens, tripod mounting, a manual rotating turntable, and LED lighting. For each specimen, about 250 photographs were acquired along concentric circular paths at multiple heights and angles to ensure full surface coverage and stable correspondence. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions were generated through Structure-from-Motion (SfM) and Multi-View Stereo (MVS) processing in Agisoft Metashape and RealityScan software, followed by metric scaling based on direct measurements. Dissemination-ready models were optimized through controlled decimation and texture baking to produce visually consistent versions with 4K textures and reduced polygon counts suitable for web visualization. Optimized meshes were standardized at about one hundred thousand polygons. The resulting dataset comprises 11750 processed images and about one terabyte of models, textures, and documentation, providing a permanent record of the current state of preservation and reducing the need for repetitive physical handling to ensure the collection’s long-term preservation. For dissemination, MUNARQ implemented a differential access protocol on Sketchfab, publishing crania openly while classifying complete mummies as restricted content that requires explicit user consent to view. We conclude that 3D archiving, combined with ethical governance and sustainable digital preservation practices, strengthens preventive conservation and enables responsible research and “democratic access” to sensitive anthropological heritage in Latin America.