Digital Reconstruction of Excavated Clothing from the Niya Site Based on Virtual Simulation Technology

Abstract Traditional clothing relics are symbols of historical civilization and national identity. Conventional restoration methods for textile artifacts rely heavily on manual craftsmanship and subjective judgment, which often cause a risk of secondary damage to the clothing. To better preserve unearthed clothing relics, this study focuses on the male burial outfit excavated from Tomb M3 at the Niya site. The structural variations, stylistic features, and motif colors of the clothing were analyzed. With the aid of artificial intelligence and digital simulation technologies, the clothing’s motif and colors were restored, 2D patterns were drafted, and 3D virtual reconstruction was achieved. Finally, a comprehensive evaluation of the digital restoration results was conducted using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methods. This paper presents a novel approach to the conservation and restoration of clothing heritage that avoids further physical damage while offering enhanced interactivity during exhibition. The proposed method holds significant value for promoting the development of digital costume museums and for enhancing the cultural value of historical artifacts.