The use of virtualization for the recreation of historical events: The case of the 1562 Auto de Fe of Maní (Yucatan)

Abstract

Virtual modelling is a growing discipline which has become an important tool in the context of heritage preservation. From this point of view, its usefulness is not limited only to the reconstruction of artifacts and built structures, but it also can be an essential tool for the reconstruction of historical events. Utilizing virtual modeling it is possible to create an interactive educational experience aimed at a large audience. Praeteritas Urbes, in collaboration with the National Institute for Anthropology and History’s (INAH) Museo Regional de Palacio Cantón in Mérida, Yucatán led a multidisciplinary group of researchers in the reconstruction of an important historical event for the history of the colonial period in the Maya area: the Auto de Fe of Maní held on July 12, 1562. This article discusses the methodology and the workflow used to complete the project, starting from the architectural reconstruction of the former convent of St. Michael the Archangel in the Maya town of Mani, as well as the virtual recreation of the historical characters, the built space, and the recreation of the scenario of this historical event. An important part of this project involved the digitalization of the museum’s collection of archaeological pieces used for the special exhibition on the Auto de Fe of Maní entitled, Ídolos: Resistencias y Persistencias.