Reveal the history of Iron Age terracotta figurines

Swiss partners

• PSI : Gianluca Iori 

 MENA partners

• Yarmouk University : Sahar al Khasawneh, Messaoud Harfouche

Presentation of the project

Objects from the past bear traces which can reveal information about their origin and history. Cracks, fissures, and manufacturing techniques expose details about an object's creation and deterioration, while chemical composition can reveal original materials and burial conditions. Archaeologists, historians, and cultural heritage researchers interpret this information within historical context, creating knowledge that benefits both academia and society by preserving historical conscience for future generations. Conservation specialists and museum archives play a crucial role in preserving and displaying these cultural remnants in public spaces. The MENA region hosts some of the world's largest antiquities collections. SESAME, the only synchrotron light source in the MENA region, provides unique non-destructive analytical opportunities for artifact research. Synchrotron X-ray methods allow researchers to characterize fragile specimens with high resolution and specificity without damage. SESAME's beamlines are used daily by scientists and conservators for applications in archaeology and cultural heritage. A key challenge in communicating interdisciplinary scientific results is that information is typically designed for expert audiences, and researchers often collaborate primarily within their own fields. In 2024, Yarmouk University and SESAME collaborated to investigate three unique Iron Age terracotta figurines from the As Salt Museum of Archaeology in Jordan. Using X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure, and X-ray phase-contrast Computed Tomography, our team illuminated aspects of Iron Age terracotta production. These unprecedented results contribute to historical understanding while demonstrating successful collaboration between archaeologists, museum curators, and physicists. This project aims to communicate the history of Iron Age decorated terracotta figurines and the synergy between past civilization research and contemporary applied physics. The target audience includes archaeology and cultural heritage students and scientists at Jordanian Universities, as well as Jordanian citizens and museum visitors. Outreach will be achieved through a series of seminars, and digital materials including 3D renderings, video content, and 3D printed replicas of the artifacts. This work fosters collaboration between historians, paleontologists, and STEM specialists while inspiring future generations in these disciplines.