Transcript Forensic Art

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
predictions
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Anthropology
 Osteology
 Anatomy
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There is also an element of art
Forensic Approximation
Used for non-criminal applications as well
as law
 Legally controversial
 Fails the Daubert Standard (1993)
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Expert testimony
 No two experts would derive the exact same
conclusion
 Not admissable as evidence in court
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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
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History
First used in 1883 for archeological digs
 First study of facial tissue thickness was
completed
 First used in forensics in 1962
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Identification
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Two types of identification
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Circumstantial
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Positive
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Individual fits the general profile for a set of
skeletal remains
Individual has unique set of characteristics
shared with skeletal remains
Facial reconstructions are the most
common
Facial Reconstructions
Generally based on skull, photographs, xrays
 Usually require both an anthropologist and
an artist
 3 Types
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2D Reconstruction
Hand drawn or computer generated portraits
 FACE and CARES software
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3D Reconstruction
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Includes sculptures, 3D computer imagery
3D Facial Reconstruction
Facial Reconstructions
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Superimposition
Only useful if there is some idea of the
remains’ identity
 Places a photograph over x-ray of skull and
looks for similarities
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Superimposition
Facial Reconstructions
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Thorough exam of skull needed
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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
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Insufficient data
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Face is extremely complicated
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10 muscle groups in human face
Subtle differences between races, sex, body builds
 Cartilage does not remain
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No standardization
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Different techniques and approaches
Subjectivity
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Wrinkles, birthmarks, skin folds
Famous Reconstructions
In 2005, forensic
anthropologists and
artists worked together
to create the face of the
legendary King Tut.