MegaVision Images Qeiyafa Ostracon, Sheds Light on Ancient Culture SANTA BARBARA, Calif., November 24 -- MegaVision Inc. announced that it was the site for today's multi-spectral imaging of the Qeiyafa Ostracon. The ostracon (a pottery shard inscribed with ink writing) was brought to MegaVision by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and Dr. Greg Bearman.
The Qeiyafa Ostracon was discovered in July 2008 at the Khirbet Qeiyafa Archeological Project in an area known as the Elah Fortress, in Israel. The shard contains five lines of text written in Proto-Canaanite script, and measures approximately 15 x 15 centimeters. Dated at 3,000 years old, it is considered to be one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Israel since the Dead Sea Scrolls. The ostracon predates the scrolls by 1,000 years. The dating of the ostracon places it at the time of King David (approximately 3,000 years ago). Little archeological evidence has been found for this period of the Kingdom of Judea. The artifacts found at the site suggest that there was most likely a central government that agrees with the biblical descriptions in the books of Samuel and Chronicles. The text itself is being closely studied and seems to indicate instruction as to social responsibilities of the ancient Hebrew culture. The MegaVision digital capture system known as EurekaVision™ integrates two previously disparate imaging capabilities: high-resolution photography and multi-spectral imaging. It captures high-resolution images over 12 or more spectral bands from the near ultraviolet to the near infrared. The spectral bands are created not by using band pass filters to filter reflected light but by using narrow-band LED illumination which subjects the treasure to only the light energy that is required to expose a highly sensitive monochrome sensor. The system was devised for curators, scholars, conservationists, and preservationists whose guardianship of priceless cultural treasures is of paramount importance. The photographing of rare and damaged manuscripts and artifacts is an area of expertise for MegaVision, and the company's services are regularly requested by both private organizations and governmental agencies engaged in cultural heritage imaging. -0- 11/24/08 For Further Information:
CONTACT: Jennifer Boydston, Administrative Assistant, at MegaVision Corporation, 805-964-1400. |
