Identification of Human Skeletal Remains

Identification of Human Skeletal Remains

FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY

IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN SKELETAL REMAINS

Crime scenes are not always “fresh”, in fact many crimes are not “discovered” until long after they occurred. The field of Forensic Anthropology is the best way to decipher clues from skeletal remains found long after the incident occurred.

Forensic anthropology is the examination of skeletal remains. This examination can be used to first determine if the remains are in fact human. Then the forensic anthropologist can determine the gender, approximate age, physical stature, and likely racial affiliation of the person in life. The examination can also yield approximate time since death, likely cause of death and any identifying illnesses or wounds suffered in life that could leave traces in the bone structure. This information can then be used to help identify the remains.

Forensic archaeology uses classic archaeological means for the systematic recovery of buried remains and other artifacts of the burial. Information can also be gleaned by the analysis of pollen, soil, seeds, and insects excavated from the site. These are all recovered and documented if archaeological training is used.

The main factors used in forensic studies are:

Osteology, the study of bones

Dentition, the study of teeth

Ethnobotany, the study of plant remains and pollen

As the prevalence of violent crimes increases, so does the need and use of forensic anthropology and archaeology. The archaeological exhumination of buried remains has been very helpful in many investigations and the information that can be learned through forensic anthropology has identified victims throughout the world. Not only has it been used in the U.S. and England for criminal investigation but it can also be used in situations with mass burials such as Yugoslavia, some South American countries, such as Guatemala and Argentina, and World War II concentration camps.

BONES: FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY

WEB RESOURCES

1)IDENTIFYING THE ROMANOVS (STAR WITH SLIDE #3)

2)FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY DIRECTORY

3)SKELETAL TUTORIAL

4)E-SKELETAL TUTORIAL (POINT AND CLICK)

5)

Forensic Anthropology Resources

  • Introduction - Dr. William M. Bass
  • Age, Sex, and Stature
  • Race
  • Pathology
  • Trauma
  • Taphonomy
  • Identifying Characteristics
  • Education in Forensic Anthropology

6)

  • The basics
  • The Skull
  • The Postcranial Skeleton
  • Dentition (in progress)
  • Anthropometric devices

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