Zeitschrift für forensische Forschung

Forensic Identity of the Unknown

Abstract

Kavya Sri * and Kowdi Manisha

Forensic art is a technique of reconstruction using little or no evidence available to solve a certain case. Usually, it is carried out by reconstructing tissues on the skulls for the identification. Forensic art is basically divided into few categories including composite imagery, image modification/identification, demonstrative evidence and reconstruction/post mortem drawing which is then further divided into 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional. The forensic facial sketches include the forensic and composite sketches. The facial reconstruction basically involves five principles including ear location, mouth width, eyeball to orbit relation, nose tip shape, ear length. Initially Welcker facial reconstruction technique was used but later being taken over by 3D computerized facial reconstruction technology. The procedure involves technical phase of reconstruction, then followed by development of features of face of the individual finally the drawing from the skull is used for victim’s identification. 2D has advantages in identification of deceased skeletal remains as well. The 2D images are developed using CARES and FACES software. But a disadvantage includes the depth of the face cannot be determined in 2D. Whereas in 3D reconstruction manual method using clay, wax etc., is done where the depth can also be identified. 3D includes various methods including tissue depth method, anatomical method, British method (combination method), computerized 3D forensic facial reconstruction. But 3D method is only carried out after 2D method. For the checking of the accuracy of these methods face pool, resemblance ratings and morphometric comparison is usually done.