1. Forensic Art Pathology 4

2. Forensic Approximation Forensic approximation is a process that attempts to recreate unidentified person’s likeness Uses several sciences to make accurate predictions Anthropology Osteology Anatomy There is also an element of art

3. Forensic Approximation Used for non-criminal applications as well as law Legally controversial Fails the Daubert Standard (1993) Expert testimony No two experts would derive the exact same conclusion Not admissable as evidence in court Can be used as an investigative aid only

4. Forensic Approximation Forensic approximation of the “Spirit Cave Man,” one of only a few complete skeletons found in the United States over 8,000 years old.

5. Forensic Approximation History First used in 1883 for archeological digs First study of facial tissue thickness was completed First used in forensics in 1962

6. Identification Two types of identification Circumstantial Individual fits the general profile for a set of skeletal remains Positive Individual has unique set of characteristics shared with skeletal remains Facial reconstructions are the most common

7. Facial Reconstructions Generally based on skull, photographs, x- rays Usually require both an anthropologist and an artist 3 Types 2D Reconstruction Hand drawn or computer generated portraits FACE and CARES software 3D Reconstruction Includes sculptures, 3D computer imagery

8. 3D Facial Reconstruction

9. Facial Reconstructions Superimposition Only useful if there is some idea of the remains’ identity Places a photograph over x-ray of skull and looks for similarities

10. Superimposition

11. Facial Reconstructions Thorough exam of skull needed Muscle attachments Damage, wounds Shape of skull, eyes, nasal openings Skull cleaned and damaged areas repaired with wax Mandible reattached Eyes inserted Pegs used to identify typical tissue thickness Nose is largely an educated guess

12. Soft Tissue Reconstruction

13. Limitations of Facial Reconstructions Insufficient data Face is extremely complicated 10 muscle groups in human face Subtle differences between races, sex, body builds Cartilage does not remain No standardization Different techniques and approaches Subjectivity Wrinkles, birthmarks, skin folds

14. Famous Reconstructions In 2005, forensic anthropologists and artists worked together to create the face of the legendary King Tut.