Cultural Heritage Image Analysis and Support Modeling Using X-ray Computed Tomography: Focused on the Byeongsan Mask ‘Eul’ of the Hahoe Masks and Byeongsan Masks of Andong

Abstract

Before conservation treatment, the Byeongsan Mask ‘Eul’ was damaged, and the face was separated on both sides and attached with stiffeners. For conservation treatment, it was necessary to remove the existing stiffeners and adhese the faces together. At this time, a support was needed to fix both faces that were separated during conservation process and to structurally stabilize the adhesion area where pressure could be concentrated even after adhesion. In order to manufacture new support, the shape analysis was first performed using the X-ray computed tomography data, and then the re-adhesion position was set. Next, modeling was conducted considering the function of the support and aesthetic conditions using the digital haptic modeling system. The completed model was printed by 3D printing using transparent material. The support produced in this study is significant in that it played a major role in the conservation process, such as being used not only to hold and store the masks but also to fix them during the conservation process. In addition, by producing support using digital methods and data, support optimized for the shape of artifact could be produced with minimal contact with artifact. This study presented a method for conserving and displaying artifacts using digital technology, and is expected to be expanded and applied to various cultural heritages.