Looty’s project for the Rosetta Stone involved a groundbreaking initiative to digitally repatriate this precious artifact to its original location in Rashid, Egypt. Originally known as the Hajar Rashid, the Rosetta Stone had been housed in the British Museum, despite its rightful ownership by the Egyptian people from the small town of Rashid.
With renouned proffesor and archeologist Monica Hana,the Looty team, executed a daring digital heist at the British Museum, utilizing cutting-edge LiDAR technology to record detailed scans of the Rosetta Stone. These scans were then transported, both physically and digitally, to Rashid using Geo-located based AR. This innovative use of technology allowed for one of the world’s first-ever digitally repatriated artworks to be placed back in its original physical realm.
The project not only marked a milestone in digital restitution but also demonstrated Looty’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and sharing the true stories of local African communities. By using advanced technology like LiDAR and XR/AR, Looty aims to simplify the process of accessing and studying invaluable cultural items, empowering future generations to connect with their rightful heritage.