Chapter 7 - Facial Reconstruction From Skeletal Remains

Abstract

Faces are formed from within by unique facial bones. The basis of individual appearance is the distinctive skull that lies beneath the surface of skin and muscle. The forensic artist who pays attention to the various undulations of the facial bones can reconstruct an appearance of unidentified murder victims. This talent of bringing to life someone whose appearance seems to be gone can identify a victim and help detectives solve their case. This chapter begins with the mention of the father of the facial reconstruction, Mikhail M. Gerasimov, who began facial reconstructions from skulls in 1924. The three-dimensional sculpture he created led to the identification of Valentina Kosova and solved a murder. The beginning steps are highlighted, which will be the same whether one plans to draw the face from a skull or sculpt the appearance. Teeth are most important to appearance and age determination. It is preferable to diligently gather, correctly reposition, and examine dentition before attaching the mandible to the calvarium. Attach the mandible with a spacer of approximately 3 to 6 millimeters between the condylar process of the mandible and the mandibular fossa of the calvarium to replicate structures present there in life. Using a life-size photo of the skull one can employ various tracing techniques to create an accurately proportioned portrait while always referring back to the skull. Eyebrows grow from under the brow ridge at the center near the nose, climb over the ridge above the middle of the eye, and follow the upper contour of the zygomatic process of the frontal bone to their outer end. It is suggested to replicate eyebrow hair-growth direction for a realistic image.