forensic art pathology 4. forensic approximation forensic approximation is a process that attempts...
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Forensic Art
Pathology 4
Forensic Approximation
Forensic approximation is a process that attempts to recreate unidentified person’s likeness
Uses several sciences to make accurate predictionsAnthropologyOsteologyAnatomy
There is also an element of art
Forensic Approximation
Used for non-criminal applications as well as law
Legally controversialFails the Daubert Standard (1993)
Expert testimonyNo two experts would derive the exact same
conclusionNot admissable as evidence in court
Can be used as an investigative aid only
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.
Forensic Approximation
HistoryFirst used in 1883 for archeological digsFirst study of facial tissue thickness was
completedFirst used in forensics in 1962
Identification
Two types of identificationCircumstantial
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
Facial Reconstructions
Generally based on skull, photographs, x-rays
Usually require both an anthropologist and an artist
3 Types2D Reconstruction
Hand drawn or computer generated portraitsFACE and CARES software
3D Reconstruction Includes sculptures, 3D computer imagery
3D Facial Reconstruction
Facial Reconstructions
SuperimpositionOnly useful if there is some idea of the
remains’ identityPlaces a photograph over x-ray of skull and
looks for similarities
Superimposition
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
Soft Tissue Reconstruction
Limitations of Facial Reconstructions
Insufficient dataFace is extremely complicated
10 muscle groups in human face
Subtle differences between races, sex, body buildsCartilage does not remain
No standardizationDifferent techniques and approaches
SubjectivityWrinkles, birthmarks, skin folds
Famous Reconstructions
In 2005, forensic anthropologists and
artists worked together to create the face of the
legendary King Tut.