In forensic and archaeological contexts, human bone specialists create an ‘osteological profile’ from skeletal remains and radiographs. This profile consists of a description of the key identifying features of an …
Now that we have located, recorded and recovered a body, we need to do a more in-depth analysis of the skeletal remains to establish identity and potential cause of death. …
This week we’ve covered a lot of different elements. We’ve taken a look at what happens to the body once it’s in the ground and the multitude of factors that …
Over recent years, forensic archaeologists and anthropologists have become interested in new ways of recording the crime scene, the body and important evidence. One such approach is by making 3D …
The Structure and Chemistry of Bone Bone is a composite material and is made of a mineral part (hydroxyapatite) and an organic part (mostly collagen). When dry, about 20% of …
These include a vast range of factors which influence the state of decomposition and preservation of the body. Furthermore, each taphonomic variable interacts with the others, as well as with …
Forensic taphonomy is the study of what happens to a body between death and recovery. A large amount of forensic research focuses on trying to better understand taphonomic factors. Some …
Once a grave site has been located, photographed and recorded, the body needs to be exhumed. To ensure that excavation of the body is accurate and complete, several factors need …
Once the likely grave site has been identified, the surrounding vegetation should be systematically investigated for associated items (e.g personal effects, bullets, weapons). These items should be bagged, recorded and …
Duncan Hale (Archaeological Services, Durham University) has conducted geophysical surveys of sites throughout the world using a range of different techniques. He is used to working in different and challenging …
Currently around the world there are millions of individuals who have gone missing in regions of conflict and whose fate is unknown. A large number of these individuals are thought …
This week has introduced you to some of the basic concepts in forensic archaeology and anthropology. You will now have a much better understanding of: a) What these different disciplines …
There are a range of scenarios in which members of the public encounter skeletal remains. Often when dog walking. The bones may be isolated or jumbled (disarticulated), or represent a …
Archaeologists have training in a variety of skills to help them locate and excavate grave sites. Whether these are modern or archaeological in nature, the techniques for the location and …