3D-Printed Replica of an Ancient Minoan Bronze Plaque
This is a high-fidelity 3D-printed reproduction of a Bronze Age Minoan decorative plaque (or frieze) from Crete. The original object, of unknown provenience and held in the collections of the Museum of Archaeology, Paleontology, and Science (MAPS), New Port Richey, Florida (Accession 93.12.4 / 1993.12.004), depicts the elite ritual of capturing wild bulls on both sides. In Minoan culture the bull symbolized power, fertility, and divine natural forces; the act of capturing it was a high-status and dangerous ceremonial practice. The replica captures the double-sided relief of this iconic motif and is offered for educational display, research, or private collection.
Available Materials:
– White nylon: Produced with a polishing process that yields a smooth surface. This is the most economical option among the nylon finishes.
– Black nylon: Finished with the Color Touch process after post-printing treatment. The parts are resistant to external conditions, scratching, and rubbing. Color is stable and consistent across production batches, with a uniform surface of high quality.
– Bronze, gold-plated brass, and white rhodium-plated brass: Manufactured by metal casting. A master model is first 3D-printed in wax as an exact replica of the finished piece. A plaster mold is formed around it; liquid metal is then injected, replacing the wax which is drained away. This method produces metal parts with an elegant appearance.
Dimensions:
– Nylon versions: 14.5 × 6.6 cm (5.71 × 2.60 in)
– Metal versions: 5 × 2.3 cm (1.97 × 0.91 in)
Objects that exceed the size limits of the respective production processes are manufactured at a reduced scale relative to the original. In some cases hollowing is applied to reduce the price.
