Abstract
Forensic facial reconstruction is a means for producing a facial surface from the skull. There are several technical approaches that can be applied, which include computerised and plastic sculptural methods. Whether the reconstruction is attempted in virtual or actual reality, the facial surface is projected by one of two principal means: by reconstruction of the craniofacial anatomy or by mathematical extrapolation of the face surface from that of the skull. More recently, it has been possible via a combination of the two. In this chapter, the history of facial reconstruction from the skull will be briefly introduced and the principal methods described. Both plastic and computational approaches will be summarised. The utility of forensic facial reconstruction will be discussed with reference to the investigation of cases of missing persons, and to current controversies in research and practice, relating to the precision and efficacy of the technique.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Attardi, G., Betro, M., Forte, M., Gori, R., Guidazzoli, A., Imboden, S., & Mallegni, F. (1991). 3D facial re-construction and visualization of ancient Egyptian Mummies using spiral CT data. SIGGRAPH99 Abstracts and Applications, 223–239.
Evison, M. P., Francisco, R. A., & Guimarães, M. A. (2012). Approaching utility in forensic anthropology. Forensic Science Policy and Management: An International Journal, 3(2), 85–104.
Evison, M. P., & Green, M. A. (1999). Presenting three-dimensional forensic facial simulations on the Internet using VRML. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 44, 1216–1220.
Fedosyutkin, B. A., & Nainys, J. V. (1993). The relationship of skull morphology to facial features. In M. Y. İşcan & R. P. Helmer (Eds.), Forensic analysis of the skull: Craniofacial analysis, reconstruction, and identification (pp. 199–214). New York: Wiley-Liss.
Fletcher, J. (2005). The search for Nefertiti. London: Hodder.
Francisco, R. A. (2015). Analysis of skeletons exhumed with a known bioanthropological profile for establishing the best anthropological parameters to be applied to the Brazilian population in forensic anthropological examinations. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis. University of São Paulo.
George, R. M. (1993). Anatomical and artistic guidelines for forensic facial reconstruction. In M. Y. İşcan & R. P. Helmer (Eds.), Forensic analysis of the skull: Craniofacial analysis, reconstruction, and identification (pp. 215–218). New York: Wiley-Liss.
Gerasimov, M. M. (1971). The face finder. London: Hutchinson.
Green, M. A., & Evison, M. P. (1999). Interpolating between computerized three-dimensional forensic facial simulations. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 44, 1221–1225.
Hayes, S. (2012). 3D facial approximation: An introductory lab manual AME 1.0.. Perth, WA: UNIPrint.
His, W. (1895). Johann Sebastein Bach’s gebeine and anlitz nebst bemerkungen uber dessen bilder. Abhandlung durch Mathematik und Physik, 22, 380–420.
Kollman, J., & Buchly, W. (1898). Die Persistenz der Rassen und die Reconstruction der Physiognomie prahistorischer Schadel. Archiv für Anthropologie, 25, 329–359.
Little, A. C., Hancock, P. J. B., DeBruine, L. M., & Jones, B. C. (2012). Adaptation to antifaces and the perception of correct famous identity in an average face. Frontiers in Psychology, 3(19), 221. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00019.
McIntyre, A. H., Hancock, P. J. B., Kittler, J., & Langton, S. (2013). Improving discrimination and face matching with caricature. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 27(6), 725–734.
Prag, J., & Neave, R. (1997). Making faces: Using forensic and archaeological evidence. London: British Museum Press.
Reichs, K. J., & Craig, E. (1997). Facial approximation: Procedures and pitfalls. In K. J. Reichs & W. M. Bass (Eds.), Forensic osteology: Advances in the identification of human remains (pp. 491–513). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.
Settegast, M. (1990). Plato prehistorian: 10,000 to 5,000 B.C. Myth, religion, archaeology. Hudson, NY: Lindisfarne Press.
Stephan, C. N. (2002a). Do resemblance ratings measure the accuracy of facial approximations? Journal of Forensic Science, 47(2), 239–243.
Stephan, C. N. (2002b). Facial approximation: Globe projection guideline falsified by exophthalmometry literature. Journal of Forensic Science, 47(4), 1–6.
Stephan, C. N. (2003a). Anthropological facial “reconstruction”—Recognizing the fallacies, “unembracing” the error, and realizing method limits. Science and Justice, 43, 193–199.
Stephan, C. N. (2003b). Facial approximation: An evaluation of mouth-width determination. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 121, 48–57.
Stephan, C. N., & Henneberg, M. (2001). Building faces from dry skulls: Are they recognized above chance rates? Journal of Forensic Sciences, 46, 432–440.
Stephan, C. N., & Henneberg, M. (2006). Recognition by facial approximation: Case specific examples and empirical tests. Forensic Science International, 156, 182–191.
Stephan, C. N., Henneberg, M., & Sampson, W. (2003). Predicting nose projection and pronasale position in facial approximation: A test of published methods and proposal of new guidelines. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 122, 240–250.
Stephan, C. N., & Sampson, E. K. (2008). Facial soft tissue depths in craniofacial identification (part I): An analytical review of the published adult data. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 53(6), 1257–1272.
Strouhal, E. (1973). Five plastered skulls from pre-pottery neolithic B Jericho: Anthropological study. Paléorient, 1(2), 213–247.
Tyrrell, A. J., Evison, M. P., Chamberlain, A. T., & Green, M. A. (1997). Forensic three-dimensional facial reconstruction: Historical review and contemporary developments. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 42(4), 653–661.
Vanezis, P., Blowes, R. W., Linney, A. D., Tan, A. C., Richards, R., & Neave, R. (1989). Application of 3-D computer graphics for facial reconstruction and comparison with sculpting techniques. Forensic Science International, 42(1–2), 69–84.
Welcker, H. (1883). Schiller’s Schadel und Todtenmaske, nebst Mittheilungen uber Schadel und Todtenmaske Kant’s. Braunschweig, Germany: Viehweg, F. and son.
Wilkinson, C. (2008). Forensic facial reconstruction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Evison, M.P., Iwamura, E.S.M., Guimarães, M.A., Schofield, D. (2016). Forensic Facial Reconstruction and Its Contribution to Identification in Missing Person Cases. In: Morewitz, S., Sturdy Colls, C. (eds) Handbook of Missing Persons. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40199-7_28
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40199-7_28
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-40197-3
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-40199-7
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science and PsychologyBehavioral Science and Psychology (R0)