Abstract

This innovative project aims to investigate how contemporary audiences emotionally and perceptually engage with digital and printed 3D palaeopathological models created through four different imaging techniques. Drawing on the anthropology of emotions, it examines how sociocultural backgrounds and personal health experiences shape emotions and perceptions related to pain, empathy and health. A multimethodological ethnographic approach comprising an online survey, interviews/discussion forum and participant observation at exhibitions will be employed. The study will assess the impact of cultural narratives surrounding pain, healing and gender, alongside visual attributes like colour, resolution and anatomical precision, on audience responses. By investigating how socio-cultural and health narratives influence reactions to these models, this study seeks to inform academic practice, museum engagement and health education. Ultimately, it will advance the anthropological understanding of emotions, while establishing best practices for the ethical and effective use of 3D models in public and scientific contexts.

Team