Abstract
IntroductionThe recovery of human skeletal remains or remains in high stage of decay implies important questions to be answered, such as the origin of those remains, the post mortem interval, and the taphonomic effects that are observed. This study presents a pioneer project about human forensic taphonomy in Spain. Material and methodsUnclaimed human remains from cemetery of Terrassa (Barcelona) were analysed. Context of remains, decomposition stage, bone pathology and taphonomic artefacts are the variables that are taken into consideration during this project. ResultsOne hundred sixty-nine corpses, including both genders and different ages, were analysed. Taphonomic phenomena and conservation pattern related with ante mortem (biological profile, pathology, treatment, fractures, etc.) and post mortem (forensic treatment, thanatopraxy and/or mortuary aesthetics, and other taphonomic artefacts) situation were observed. ConclusionsThis preliminary study shows the benefits of the use of cemetery models in the field of physical and forensic anthropology.
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