Brian LynchEDIM510INB

The following presentation will be used as a launching point for an exercise in Forensic Archaeology dealing with the Jamestown Colony. While viewing this presentation, Students will be provided with pertinent background information and data about the “Starving Time” period of the colony. Then through further research, the students will perform a forensic analysis on the burials found within the colonial fort’s boundaries, to make a determination as to the probable circumstances of the deaths, and the identity of two Jamestown Colonists.

Forensic Archaeology:Identification of Human Remains Found during theJamestown Excavations

The first permnament English Colony inAmerica (1607).

Archaeological Excavation Site

APVA artist rendering of the Jamestown Fort foundation and the settlement excavation.

Site 2 will be the focal point of our forensic research.

Graves inside the Fort Walls

Two graves, (opposite) were found inside the fort walls.

Labeled as JR 102 and JR 156, these burials need to be forensically identified.

A lead musket ball and smaller lead shot remain on and within the leg bone.

This wound, and the resulting loss of blood was the likely cause of death.

There appears to have been no attempt to remove the lead, or to set the leg, and no healing took place in the bone prior to death.

There is no evidence indicating any additional wounds to the body.

Burial 1: JR 106

This x-ray shows the lead musket ball and many lead shot on and within the wounded leg. Dr. Douglas Owsley, Forensic Anthropologist from the Smithsonian Institution, concluded that the shot was to the back of the leg, and that it shattered bone and muscle so badly that the leg twisted around almost completely.

The skull was shattered and crushed flat from centuries of ground pressure.

It was carefully reassembled in the laboratory.

Female buried inside a wooden coffin with a pitched lid, indicating a woman of prominent or wealthy status. Death seems to have been brought on by natural causes.

Burial 2: JR 156

A resin cast of JR156 skull was made from a CT scan of the original..

Cast Skull

Cranio-facial Reconstructions

JR 156

JR106

Forensic Research Assignment

What does the research and the data reveal about the deaths of both JR106c and JR156c?

Based on your research and analysis of the evidence, what are the names (most probable) of JR106 and JR156?

Post your response to both of these questions on the class blog - posting is due Wednesday. Comment on at least 3 other postings by Friday.

References: Images of Jamestown Archaeological site and maps:

Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (APVA)

http://www.preservationvirginia.org/rediscovery/page.php?page_id=1