Cranial remains were discovered during construction activity in NYC. A forensic workup was undertaken to determine sex, race, age and manner of death. Cranial elements identified included a partial calvaria with spanchnocranium, a left zygoma, and a broken mandible. An almost complete neurocranium with missing portions of the cranial base and left segments of parietal and temporal bones was documented. Quantitative measures were taken using available craniometric points. Various methods used to assess skeletal elements permitted skull reconstruction followed by CT imaging performed at Mount Sinai Hospital. Size and overall rugose expression of cranial features (pronounced mastoid process, strong browridge) suggest a male identification. Calvaria shows excellent ectocranial and endocranial preservation with no distinctly noticeable taphonomic deformities, although three‐dimensional CT reconstructions revealed evident warping on the right side of the cranial vault suggesting the skull lied flat on that side. Race was determined to be Caucasian though a cranial index of 71 fell within the dolicocephalic range indicative of an African phenotype. Caucasoid affinities exhibited by skull included marked projection of nasal bones, narrow nasal breadth, and lack of facial prognathism. Craniodental analysis suggests an adult age at the time of death. Manner of death, however, remains undetermined.Grant Funding SourceNone
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