The ‘Virtual Bone Lab’- How to use the 3D Models
Take a look at how our 3D bone models work and listen for some tips and tricks. Give it a try by clicking the links to SketchFab. Links to 3D …
Course: Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
Inventory, Preservation and Completeness
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 …
In the Human Bone Lab
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. …
Summary of the Week
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 …
Non-contact scanning: Creating three dimensional images
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 …
Bone Diagenesis (decay)
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 …
Forensic Taphonomy: Extrinsic Factors
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 …
Introduction to Forensic Taphonomy
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 …
Excavating a Body: Process and Factors to Consider
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 …
Excavating the Grave Site
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 …
Using Geophysics in Archaeology: Detecting Graves
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 …
Forensic Archaeology: How to Find a Body
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 …
What have you learned so far?
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 …
Forensic archaeology: Finding human bones
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 …
What does a forensic archaeologist do?
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 …