CT Scans in Art Work Appraisal


Detail: Figure 2

Hemba ancestor statue, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Wood, 45 cm.
© Photo Hughes Dubois, Paris-Brussels

D. CT: eight thin axial sections (see markers on Figure C). The sections through the arm show traces of glue (arrowheads) between separate blocks of different species of wood. Both the density of these blocks and the direction of the growth rings differ, proving that the piece has been restored. The sections through the lower back show termite damage (arrows).

E. CT: frontal section showing the join between the original statue and the restored piece.

F. CT: curved section which unrolls the arm from shoulder to wrist, showing the five blocks of wood simultaneously.

G. CT: lateral section of the torso, through the navel and the middle of the back, which is riddled with termite galleries.

H. CT: right-angle sections centered on repairs to the penis. The black line across the base is a layer of glue (arrows).

Main: figure 2
Detail: larger photo view