Forensic Anthropology

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Anthropology, which is essentially the study of people,

has four main disciplines, which are:

Archaeology, Cultural, Linguistic, and Physical (Biological) . 

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Although each type may have a useful application in an investigation or trial, “Forensic anthropology is the application of the science of physical anthropology to the legal process.” (American Board of Forensic Anthropology, http://www.theabfa.org) 

Forensic Archaeology

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is the study of human history through the recovery and analysis of artifacts or materials left behind.  

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Through the use of various excavation, recovery, and restoration procedures, fragile artifacts, which can be easily damaged or destroyed, are recovered.

 

However, it is essential for detailed procedures and techniques -- many of which may be adapted to best practices for crime scene processing -- to be utilized at the same time.  

Application of Forensic Anthropology

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In forensic investigation cases where excavation and recovery are needed, Archaeological procedures and techniques are utilized, if bones are present, the focus turns to physical/biological anthropology, and answering two main questions:

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1. Is it Human?

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Human skeletal remains can be challenging to identify for a variety of reasons. To begin an adult skeleton has 206 bones, and if the skeleton is that of a child, there may be more depending the age of the child.

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In addition, there are natural variations among the human population based upon biological factors, such as: biological sex, age, ethnicity, etc., as well as lifestyle factors such, as: environment, diet, activity, cultural practices, etc.

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2. If the bones are human, the next question is what biographical or other information can be gleaned from the bones?

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There are a number of areas such as the skull, pelvis, ribs, etc.  That can provide insights in the biographical information for a skeleton. As well as there may be other unnatural abnormalities (e.g. cracks or breaks), which can be used to determine trauma which occurred to the body. For this trauma, a key aspect is determining if they occurred before death (ante-mortem), at or near the time of death (peri-mortem), or after the death had occurred (post-mortem)

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