There are two main ways of reconstructing the face of a person when you only have incomplete remains to go on. One way is to create a three dimensional reconstruction using clay. The other is to use computer technology to create a two dimensional picture based on the remains of the skull.

Whichever technique is used, putting flesh on the bones is always a combination of detailed forensic science, careful archaeological method and artistic imagination.

First, as much of the skull is assembled as possible. This can be painstaking work that involves piecing together tiny fragments of bone. Next, tissue depth markers are put in place: these give an idea of the depth of the flesh at different positions on the skull. Average figures for tissue depth have been worked out for individuals of different weight, gender and ethnic group. After that, various anatomical structures, such as the eyes and muscles, are sculpted on or added to the image, giving the face its shape. These are followed by the external features – ears, lips, eyelids, nose. Finally, hair and skin colour bring the reconstruction, if not to life, then to a good impression of what the person might have looked like.

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Reconstructed skull with depth markers
(New York State Museum)

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