Facial Reconstruction-An Essential Tool in Criminalistics

Abstract

Facial reconstruction in forensics is also called as Forensic facial reconstruction or Forensic facial approximation or Cranio-Facial reconstruction, a subtype in Forensic anthropology. It is a scientific art-based technique used in identification through human cranial remains obtained from crime scenes. This method has proven to be effective where other identification techniques have failed. Though the human skull appears to be similar to every individual there are minor differences that make us unique. There is a huge history that dates back to Neolithic age but the very first scientific facial reconstruction was performed by a German anatomist Wilhelm His Sr. in 1895, who reconstructed three-dimensionally the face of German composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) from his remains. He collected the data of tissue depth by inserting a thin sharp needle, having a soft rubber at its tip to minimize tissue damage. Next, the penetration depth was calculated; measurements from different anthropometric marks of the face were taken. Further, this technique was modified by Wilton Maria Krogmann in 1956. He introduced five basic relational principles to reconstruct the facial soft tissues-relation of the eyeball to orbit, ear location, and ear length, the width of the mouth, and shape of the nose tip. Enhancements of different techniques made it more reliable, feasible, and accurate.