Introduction
CeraLoop is an experimental study by LAD – Digital Archaeology Laboratory at Sapienza University – that invites contributions, in a simple and guided way, to building a shared knowledge base on the concepts of “similarity”, “perception”, and “comparison” applied to ceramic materials in archaeology. The study does not aim to challenge the traditional methodology of documentation, analysis, and investigation of ceramic finds; on the contrary, it explores the possibility of introducing algorithmic functions that can support and complement the work of specialists, offering tools for orientation and prioritization. At the same time, the experiment allows us to statistically “measure” and openly discuss the very idea of “similar” in archaeology.
The project is part of a broader research program dedicated to applying computer vision techniques to the documentation and analysis of archaeological materials. At this stage, we do not go into technical details: the goal is to collect evaluations from both sector experts and people without specific experience, to observe how the concept of similarity between ceramic profiles is constructed in practice.
Who is it for
The invitation is open to a wide audience: ceramic specialists, archaeology students and scholars, but also people completely “inexperienced” who wish to contribute. The initiative is particularly suitable for educational contexts – courses in Archaeological Research Methodologies, workshops dedicated to drawing, documentation, and study of ceramic materials – where reflection on comparison and evaluation becomes an active part of the learning path.
The dataset and what we ask of you
The experiment works on a specific dataset of approximately 20,000 elements. For each element, ten possible “similar” profiles have been selected using statistical methods from within the same dataset. We ask participants to evaluate these ten comparisons: first exclude those considered completely wrong; then order the remaining ones based on similarity, from most to least similar. Repeating this action across many cases allows us to systematically observe how people apply – and interpret – the concept of similarity in comparing ceramic profiles.
Work assignment
The assignment is completely automatic. Each new participant works on a common set of 200 elements, randomly selected and shared by all, plus an exclusive set of another 300 elements specific to each person. This way we can both compare results on identical cases and expand dataset coverage with evaluations on different elements.
Data collected and privacy
To better interpret results over time, we collect some contextual information – education, career, experience – useful for understanding whether and how judgments vary based on backgrounds. These data serve solely for aggregate analysis and are treated anonymously: email addresses are used only to distinguish responses and are never made public. Anonymized data may be shared for reuse under an open license.
How the app works (in brief)
By connecting to https://ceraloop.lad-sapienza.it/, you can create a new account on the Login page. Once authenticated with the credentials you just saved, you’ll find the reference image on the left and the ten proposed profiles on the right. The task is simple: exclude the comparisons you consider incorrect and drag the others to order them from most to least similar; then save and the system will automatically move to the next case. The experience is designed to be quick and repeatable: you can contribute even with short sessions, whenever you have time, and at your next login you will resume where you left off.
For university courses and laboratories
Courses and laboratories wishing to involve entire cohorts can integrate CeraLoop into educational activities. We can coordinate account activation and set assignment, provide guidance for consistent and repeatable evaluations, and, upon request, provide an aggregate summary of results for educational purposes. To arrange group involvement as part of educational offerings, contact us via email at julian.bogdani@uniroma1.it for a brief coordination meeting.
If you use CeraLoop in your course or laboratory and want to appear on this page as a participant, send us a message at julian.bogdani@uniroma1.it.
Supervision and contacts
CeraLoop is a project of LAD Sapienza, under the supervision of Julian Bogdani and Lorenzo Cardarelli. We are available for project presentations in various contexts – workshops, lectures, laboratories – and to provide further information to those who wish to participate or integrate the activity into a course.
Participate now: https://ceraloop.lad-sapienza.it/ and thank you in advance for your contribution: even a few evaluations can make a difference.
FAQ (updating)
This FAQ section is evolving and will be expanded as the experimentation proceeds.
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Who can participate?
Anyone: ceramic experts, students, and people without specific experience. -
How long does a session take?
Even 5–10 minutes are useful. You can contribute in multiple short sessions. -
Can I stop and resume later?
Yes. The system saves your progress and resumes from the next case. -
Do I need special technical skills?
No. The interface is guided: exclude incorrect comparisons and order the others. -
How is my data handled?
Anonymously and in aggregate form. Email only to distinguish responses, never published. -
Who has access to my password?
Only you have access to your password, which is saved in the database with multiple encryption steps. -
Can I delete my account?
Certainly! To delete your account and remove all your data from the system, you need to send an email message to julian.bogdani@uniroma1.it. It is very important to send the message from the same email address that was registered in the system. -
Is it possible to use CeraLoop in a course?
Yes. Write to us to coordinate accounts, assigned sets, and educational reports. -
How do I report problems or send feedback?
Contact us via email; we collect suggestions to improve the platform.
