Research

Anya is curious about how artifacts are made and the people who make them.  In addition to technical conservation research, she also researches decolonial collections care practices.  She has worked with Okinawan potters from the Kitagama Collective and with OIST scientists to understand the manufacture of local ceramics.  This work culminated in the exhibition KITAGAMA X OIST which was held at OIST University.  Anya has investigated the international origins of archaeological Okinawan ceramics in collaboration with colleagues from OIST, the Tsuboya Pottery Museum, and the Yuntanza Museum.  She has also used Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) to better view Okinawan and Mayan stone objects, Okinawan lacquerware, and Chinese coins. 

Reflectance Transformation Imaging of a stone monument at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum with former graduate intern Cassia Balogh 「沖縄県立博物館・美術館での調査活動」

Reflectance Transformation Imaging of a stone monument at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum with former graduate intern Cassia Balogh 「沖縄県立博物館・美術館での調査活動」

 

Please watch this video for a glimpse of Anya’s work in Okinawa:

OIST isn't just about hardcore theoretical sciences: we're also using applied techniques to help conserve the culture of Okinawa. Anya Dani uses sophisticated science to air the recovery of archaeological finds, preserving historical treasures of the island's past for future generations. See how she does it, as Anya show is what it takes to be an art conservator... Music Credits: Impact Moderato by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100618 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ CGI Snake by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/divider/ Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/ I Am Running with Temporary Success from a Monstrous Vacuum by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/honor/ Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/ I Am Running Down the Long Hallway of Viewmont Elementary by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/honor/ Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/ But Enough About Me, Bill Paxton by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/dtv/ Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com/ Antarctica by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Anya has investigated the use of femtosecond lasers to create paint cross-section samples with colleagues from OIST’s Femtosecond Spectroscopy Unit and Buffalo State College’s Garman Art Conservation Department.  

Her past research includes the study of Puebloan pottery and Andean portable altars (retablos).