Statistical analysis of engraving traces on a 3D digital model of prehistoric stone stelae

Studying cultural heritage artefacts, using 3D digital models, is gaining interest. It not only allows applications in documentation and visualisation, but also permits further contact-less examination. In this paper, we are presenting a statistical analysis of stone engravings based on features that were semiautomatically extracted from 3D acquisition data. Our objects of study are two Neolithic stone stelae and a faithful replica that was created in the course of an archaeological study. We use common statistical methods and investigate the populations of depth and diameter of the engraving traces, as well as their correlation. We observe that the erosion of the two prehistoric stelae results in a larger dispersion of the diameter distribution, as well as in a similarity of a linear regression model. Furthermore, we note a similar median in the height and depth distribution between the replica and only one of the prehistoric stela. This finding supports an archaeological hypothesis regarding the presumed engraving tools. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.