The Affordances of AI-Powered, Deepfake, Avatar Creator Systems in Archaeological Facial Depiction and the Related Changes in the Cultural Heritage Sector

Wilkinson, CM ORCID: 0000-0002-4603-5554, Roughley, M ORCID: 0000-0002-7483-859X, Liu, CYJ ORCID: 0000-0003-1357-2721, Shrimpton, S ORCID: 0000-0001-7079-9733, Davidson, C ORCID: 0009-0002-4390-0378 and Dickinson, T ORCID: 0009-0008-8243-5708 (2026) The Affordances of AI-Powered, Deepfake, Avatar Creator Systems in Archaeological Facial Depiction and the Related Changes in the Cultural Heritage Sector. Applied Sciences, 16 (2). ISSN 2076-3417

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Abstract

Technological advances have influenced and changed cultural heritage in the galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM) sector by facilitating new forms of experimentation and knowledge exchange. In this context, this paper explores the evolving practice of archaeological facial depiction using AI-powered deepfake avatar creator software programs, such as Epic Games’ MetaHuman Creator (MHC), which offer new affordances in terms of agility, realism, and engagement, and build upon traditional workflows involving the physical sculpting or digital modelling of faces from the past. Through a case-based approach, we illustrate these affordances via real-world applications, including four-dimensional portraits, multi-platform presentations, Augmented Reality (AR), and enhanced audience interaction. We consider the limitations and challenges of these digital avatar systems, such as misrepresentation or cultural insensitivity, and we position this advanced technology within the broader context of digital heritage, considering both the technical possibilities and ethical concerns around synthetic representations of individuals from the past. Finally, we propose that the use of MHC is not a replacement for current practice, but rather an augmentation, expanding the potential for storytelling and public learning outcomes in the GLAM sector, as a result of increased efficiency and new forms of public engagement.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	deepfake; avatar; artificial intelligence; facial depiction; MetaHuman; 4302 Heritage, Archive and Museum Studies; 43 History, Heritage and Archaeology
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Computer software Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > Z719 Libraries (General) N Fine Arts > N4390-5098 Exhibitions T Technology > T Technology (General) > T58.5 Information Technology
Divisions:	Art and Creative Industries
Publisher:	MDPI
Date of acceptance:	15 January 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	26 March 2026
Date Deposited:	26 Mar 2026 09:23
Last Modified:	26 Mar 2026 09:23
DOI or ID number:	10.3390/app16021023
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28296

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