THE MAET ZEMĺS: A NEW VIRTUAL LIFE (MAETZE)

The project has been planned in order to define a deep and well-planned documentation set of scientific data on
two Zemis belonging to the culture of the ancient Tainos (island of Hispaniola, now Dominican Republic/Haiti),
dated to 10th and 15th century. The project was carried out entirely in situ using non-invasive cutting-edge
techniques. The roadmap for the research has been articulated in different steps: (1) photographic analysis in UV
fluorescence and spot analysis XRF, FTIR, Raman and FORS for the study of materials and possible polychromic
residues; (2) three-dimensional acquisition to study characteristics and irregularities of the surfaces; (3) X-ray
tomography that gives information on the inner morphology. Raw data were acquired. We will produce some
interpretative results in the next few months involving researchers who participated in the project. The results will
allow public forms of communication realized through interactive narrations useful for future exhibitions or
enhancement projects planned under the PNRR program.