Abstract
On January 11, 2000, Kamegata-Ishi (Turtle Shape Stone) was excavated in Asuka, Nara, Japan. Ever since, this curious-shaped stone has been attracting archaeological attention as the key to elucidate the mystery of the culture of the Asuka era. In this paper, the authors report the procedure of digital archive utilizing heterogeneous measurement methods, which are a total station, a non-contact 3D digitizer and a stereo camera. The reconstructed model holds both a detailed 3D shape and surface texture images of the stone.
What is kamegata-Ishi ?
Kamegata-Ishi (Turtle Shape Stone) is the curious-shaped stone monument, which was excavated from the Sakafune-Ishi ruins (Asuka, Nara, Japan) on January 11, 2000 (Aizawa, 2000). Figure 1 shows the appearance of the stone.
Kamegata-Ishi is located in a square that is paved with sandstone and surrounded by steps. Peculiarity of the sandstone reveals that these relics were constructed under the orders of the Empress Saimei (reigned from A.D. 655 to 661) in the Asuka era (A.D. 592-710).
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Figure 1: Appearance of Kamegata-Ishi (a) Overall (b) Close-up of head
Figure 2: Procedure of restoration
The bowl-like shape of the stone indicates that the ancients in the Asuka era seemed to fill Kamegata-Ishi with water during their rite. In the Asuka era, a large number of peculiar stone monuments that seemed to be related to water were constructed. The purpose of these stones is still unknown and under discussion. The discovery of Kamegata-Ishi introduced a new clue into this remaining mystery. Therefore, the stone has been attracting a great deal of archaeological attention as the key to elucidate the culture of the Asuka era.
