Facial Approximation - an impression of the past...
Without devaluing the work of the researchers, I'd like to add a caveat to this post to bear in mind while reading this link: "The finished product only approximates actual appearance because the cranium does not reflect soft-tissue details (eye, hair, and skin color; facial hair; the shape of the lips; or how much fat tissue covers the bone). Yet a facial reconstruction can put a name on an unidentified body in a modern forensic case—or, in an archaeological investigation, a face on history." (http://anthropology.si.edu/writteninbone/facial_reconstruction.html)
Always keep in mind that although bones can tell us a lot about an individual, they cannot tell us everything. This was one important lesson I took from my studies of paleopathology. Using the word "reconstruction", although it is very common in articles like these, is a little problematic as many people think that what they are looking at is an accurate portrayal rather than an impression or model based on available evidence. This can be a problem if conclusions are made based on the model that assume it is an accurate and literal example.
The article does highlight, however how researchers in the field are increasingly taking a multidisciplinary approach and shows how the latest technology can be employed to research things that have long been fascinating for us.
This approximation was made from the head of an unknown mummy who has been dubbed Meritamun (Beloved of Amun) by the researchers. Quite how she came to reside in Australia is unclear.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-20/ancient-egyptian-mummified-head-brought-to-life-in-melbourne/7769368
Without devaluing the work of the researchers, I'd like to add a caveat to this post to bear in mind while reading this link: "The finished product only approximates actual appearance because the cranium does not reflect soft-tissue details (eye, hair, and skin color; facial hair; the shape of the lips; or how much fat tissue covers the bone). Yet a facial reconstruction can put a name on an unidentified body in a modern forensic case—or, in an archaeological investigation, a face on history." (http://anthropology.si.edu/writteninbone/facial_reconstruction.html)
Always keep in mind that although bones can tell us a lot about an individual, they cannot tell us everything. This was one important lesson I took from my studies of paleopathology. Using the word "reconstruction", although it is very common in articles like these, is a little problematic as many people think that what they are looking at is an accurate portrayal rather than an impression or model based on available evidence. This can be a problem if conclusions are made based on the model that assume it is an accurate and literal example.
The article does highlight, however how researchers in the field are increasingly taking a multidisciplinary approach and shows how the latest technology can be employed to research things that have long been fascinating for us.
This approximation was made from the head of an unknown mummy who has been dubbed Meritamun (Beloved of Amun) by the researchers. Quite how she came to reside in Australia is unclear.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-20/ancient-egyptian-mummified-head-brought-to-life-in-melbourne/7769368
Because commenters did not read the caveat and are busy making the incorrect assumptions I cautioned against in the post, comments and resharing are disabled for this post.
ReplyDeleteMy posts are designed to be educational, and offer a chance to interact with someone with Egyptology qualifications, please do read posts carefully before commenting on them.