Human Remains: Identification And Analysis

Forensic anthropology is a specialised and vital field of study in forensic archaeology, which can help unravel some mysteries of the past. The human remains may be used by forensic anthropologists to surmise much-needed information on an individual’s age, sex, ancestry and even cause of death. Knowledge in this aspect, when applied to criminal investigations, historical research and humanitarian efforts, is invaluable.

Age determination

Age estimation from skeletal remains is quite a complex process.

Dental development: teeth erupt and develop at predictable rates. Again, by examining the phase of tooth development, one can come up with an estimate of age, particularly in juveniles.

Bone fusion: In human beings, bones commence fusing at certain ages. The degree of such fusion into the bones, more specifically in the pelvis, skull and long bones, shall provide an estimated age.

Skeletal maturity: The bones grow and develop in specific patterns. The growth and developmental patterns may include features, such as bone density, porosity and microscopic structures.

Pubic symphysis: it is a joint in the pelvis, and changes occur within it during one’s lifetime. As such, its morphology may be applied in estimating age, more so during the adult phase of life.

Sex determination

Sex determination through skeletal remains is majorly based on the pelvis and skull.

Pelvis: sex is best reflected in the pelvis. There are sex-specific differences in the pelvis. The female pelvis is wide and circular in most cases, and these characteristics allow it to accommodate childbearing. On the other hand, the male pelvis is narrower and usually heart-shaped.

Skull: some cranial features such as the mastoid process, supraorbital ridges and chin are also used in sexing. However, these are not as reliable as the pelvis features.

Ancestry determination

The determination of ancestry from skeletal remains is mainly based on some features of the skeleton that vary in different populations.

Cranial morphology: skull shape and size may provide a hint at the ancestor’s origin. For example, certain features of the cranium occur more frequently in populations native to particular geographic areas.

Dental morphology: research of the teeth, their count and morphology can be helpful in determining ancestry.

DNA analysis: DNA analysis is the most accurate method for determining ancestry available, but it’s not always possible due to the degradation of DNA over time.

Determining cause of death

Identifying a cause of death from skeletal remains usually requires a combination of forensic anthropology with other disciplines such as pathology and archaeology.

Trauma analysis: researching the bones for signs of fractures, stabs, or bullet marks can reveal information about violent death.

Disease analysis: Some diseases leave typical marks on the bones. For example, tuberculosis may produce lesions in the vertebral column, while arthritis can result in damage to the joints.

Nutritional deficiencies: Malnutrition can result in abnormal skeletal structure, such as stunted growth and deformed bones.

Contextual information: This may include the context of the find, associated artefacts and settings provided by the scene of death that indicate the cause of death.

The determination of age, sex, ancestry and cause of death from skeletal remains is not always easy. It is greatly affected by factors such as taphonomy and the condition of the bones. In addition, any forensic estimation is always done with some degree of error.

Forensic Archaeology in Historical Research

Though it is primarily associated with investigations into crimes, forensic archaeology has made various significant contributions to historical research. Through the application of scientific methods in archaeological places, scientists have been able to find buried tales and expose different narratives.

• Uncovering hidden populations: forensic archaeologists have been at the very front line of not only identifying, but also researching marginalised populations – from slaves to indigenous peoples, to victims of genocide. Archaeologists can reconstruct from the skeleton information about individual lives as part of those groups that have been pushed to the periphery of societies, examining their experiences and contributions to society.
• Forensic archaeology examines ancient human remains for evidence of diseases and pandemics, and the diffusion of diseases is traced back in time. It is this accumulation of information that is important in understanding the history of public health and in formulating strategies to help combat future epidemics.
• Ancient diets and lifestyles: stable isotope analysis in human remains provides essential information about the diets and lifestyles of past populations. Such comparisons to isotopic signatures from a more recent time series may permit assessments of changes in subsistence and environmental conditions.
• Cultural heritage conservation: Forensic archaeologists help preserve cultural heritage by developing and implementing effective conservation and management strategies. They take measures to protect archaeological sites from looting, vandalism and natural disasters.

Conclusion

Forensic archaeology and anthropology are interrelated disciplines concerning human remains that have become an indispensable part in criminal investigations and historical research. From the skeleton, one can comment on age, sex, ancestry and cause of death. This information proves pivotal in solving crimes, understanding ancient populations and preserving cultural heritage. While forensic anthropology has much to say in terms of rich data, consideration has to be taken in terms of the limitations of the field. Several factors may include taphonomy, that is, the study of what happens after death in terms of modification of the organism, affecting preservation, and the condition where the skeletal remains were found. Forensic anthropologists must base their estimates on scientific methods combined with contextual information in order to arrive at a more reliable conclusion. Despite such challenges, forensic anthropology continues to remain one of the prime tools in unravelling both the mysteries of the past and those of the present. In applying scientific methods to skeletal remains, experts give voice to human history, contribute to active investigations and protect significant cultural resources.

References

• Buikstra, J. E., & Ubelaker, D. H. (1994). Standards for data collection from human skeletal remains. Arkansans Archaeological Survey.
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• Galloway, A. (2005). Forensic archaeology: A multidisciplinary approach. Cambridge University Press.
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• Mheslinga. (2023, August 30). Carbon-14 dating, explained. University of Chicago News. https://news.uchicago.edu/explainer/what-is-carbon-14-dating
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• Ubelaker, D. H., & Scammell, H. M. (2012). Human skeletal remains: Excavation, analysis, interpretation. Wiley – Blackwell

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