Zouaves also have their digital twins.

Photogrammetry is the art of capturing an object from all angles to create a 3D digital replica. But beyond the technique, it’s a powerful tool for transmitting history and heritage.

We had the opportunity to conduct a photogrammetry session at the Museum of Brittany (Les Champs Libres) as part of a project on the mediation of memorial sites. The object of this study was a Zouave uniform, worn by a World War I soldier, Armand Quelain.

The Zouaves, French army infantry units, were known for their spectacular, often embroidered and brightly colored uniforms. Digitally preserving this type of item means preserving a fragment of memory.

💡 A Collaborative and Educational Project

For three hours, alongside the Master 2 Digital Humanities program from Rennes 2 University and the Museum of Brittany, we:

• Detailed the photogrammetry process, from shooting to the final model.

• Trained the students on this technology and its applications.

• Delivered a digital version of the uniform to the Museum of Brittany.

• Planned for its integration into a cultural mediation trail designed with the students.

🎯 Why Digitize a Historical Uniform?

Memorial sites, such as museums and heritage institutions, face a major challenge: transmitting history while preserving objects. Thanks to 3D digitization:

• Visitors can explore fragile items without risk.

• Researchers have a detailed model for their studies.

• Historical narratives are enriched with a new interactive dimension.

This project demonstrates how technology and history can intertwine to bring memory to life in a new way.

📢 Museums, memorial sites: Digitization is a new form of transmission. What if we work together to give our heritage a new dimension?