What Do Forensic Anthropologists and Detectives Have in Common?

Forensic anthropology is a special sub-field of physical anthropology (the study of

human remains) that involves applying skeletal analysis and techniques in
archaeology to solving criminal cases. When human remains or a suspected burial are
found, forensic anthropologists are called upon to gather information from the bones
and their recovery context to determine who died, how they died, and how long ago
they died. Forensic anthropologists specialize in analyzing hard tissues such as bones.
With their training in archaeology, they are also knowledgeable about excavating
buried remains and meticulously recording the evidence.

Reading a Skeleton

A forensic anthropologist can read the evidence in a skeleton like you read a book.
The techniques they use to answer questions in criminal cases can be applied to
skeletons of any age, modern or ancient. The stages of growth and development in
bones and teeth provide information about whether the remains represent a child or
adult. The shape of pelvic bones provides the best evidence for the sex of the person.
Abnormal changes in the shape, size and density of bones can indicate disease or
traumas. Bones marked by perimortem injuries, such as unhealed fractures, bullet
holes, or cuts, can reflect cause of death. The trained anthropologist is able to examine
skeletal remains for clues of ancestry. For example, skull shape and dental traits differ
in individuals of African ancestry versus European ancestry. Even certain activities,
diet, and ways of life are reflected in bones and teeth.

Analyzing Human Remains

Anthropologists at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History have been

called upon to analyze human remains for over a century. The remains may represent
victims of violence or natural disasters. In these cases Smithsonian anthropologists
work with the FBI, State Department, and other law enforcement agencies to identify
the individuals and solve crimes. They also conduct research on historic and
prehistoric human remains to learn more about people from the past. As Smithsonian
forensic anthropologist Kari Bruwelheide says, "The bones are like a time capsule."

Smithsonian anthropologist Dr. Douglas Owsley, examining a skeleton from historic

Jamestown, discovered evidence of chops to the skull from an axe or other sharp
bladed, implement. Knife cuts were also observed on the bone. Along with other
information such as biological indicators and discovery location of the remains, Dr.
Owsley concluded that a 14-year-old girl had been cannibalized after she died. His
discovery supported other historic data that the colonists of Jamestown suffered
severe starvation during the harsh winter of 1609-1610.

Techniques: Leaving No Bone Unturned

Anthropologists at the National Museum of Natural History use a variety of

techniques to analyze human remains and record their observations. For example, the
bones are typically photographed and X-rayed. Some remains may undergo CT
scanning or be examined with high-powered microscopes. These techniques provide
detailed information about remains without altering them while providing a visual
record. DNA analysis may be used to help establish identity. This type of testing is
most often used in modern forensic case work, but mitochondrial DNA in bones and
teeth can be used to confirm relationships of old remains with deceased or living
descendants. Other chemical analyses, such as those involving isotopes, can provide
information about the age of bones and a person’s diet.

The data gathered is studied and combined to draw conclusions about the deceased
individual. For a modern case, photos of the skull may be superimposed on photos of
missing people to look for consistencies between the bone and fleshed form. Even in
cases where no photos exist, the face can be reconstructed based on the underlying
bone structure and known standards of facial tissue thicknesses. For example, using
facial reconstruction, Smithsonian forensic anthropologist Dr. David Hunt was able to
bring about correct identification of the remains of a child found near Las Vegas.
Owsley and Bruwelheide were able to rebuild the likeness of the girl from Jamestown.

Collections of Bones

Comparing found remains to other human skeletons is essential for many analyses.
The National Museum of Natural History has one of the world's best Physical
Anthropology collections, with over 30,000 set of human remains from around the
world. Many of the skeletons have associated age, sex, ancestry, and cause of death
data. Specimens with known biological information are an especially valuable
reference. Forensic anthropologists have used these bones to develop standards for
determining sex, age and ancestry in unknown remains. The collections are used as
comparative materials in cases where interpretation of certain features is difficult.
They are also heavily used to train students who are the next generation of scientists.
Collections may also be used to document trends in health and population structures
over time. Smithsonian Curator Dr. Douglas Ubelaker, looking at a range of skulls
from 16th-20th century Spain and Portugal, found that women's faces got larger over
time.

Reconstructing the Past

The study of historic human remains by physical anthropologists at the Smithsonian

has led to discoveries that changed our view of the past. The work of Dr. Owsley and
Kari Bruwelheide has helped create a better picture of how people lived in colonial
America. For example, even a relatively wealthy woman from historic Mary's City,
Maryland, the wife of the Governor, had limited medical care for a fractured thigh
bone. The sorts of treatments that would be used today (traction and screws), were not
available at the time. Analysis of the remains of naturalist and explorer Robert
Kennicott (who contributed enormously to the Smithsonian's first collections) has
brought to light information about his life and death.

Whether used to better understand modern or historic remains, forensic anthropology

gives the living a window into the lives of the dead.
David Hunt Physical Anthropology Museum Specialist
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Related Media
Bone Biographies of Early Americans

Shouldering the Load

The story of a 19th century boy buried in an iron coffin

Skeleton Keys
Quotes from the Jamestown Settlers during the harsh winter of
1609-1610

Meet the Smithsonian's Bone Detectives

Unearthing the Evidence

Living and Dying in America

Forensic Anthropology Webcast with Kari Bruwelheide

Related Resources
Catching Killers See Smithsonian Channel videos about how skeletal evidence is used
to solve criminal cases

Mummy Science: The Inside Story From the National Museum of Natural History

Skeleton Keys How Forensic Anthropologists interpret information from bones

Written in Bone Forensic Files of the 17th-Century Chesapeake

Teaching Resources: Bones and Forensic Anthropology Get online resources that are
aligned with national science standards for middle school students.