Cranio-facial reconstruction in forensic identification--historical development and a review of current practice

Cranio-facial reconstruction has its origins in the 19th century, initially to recreate and 'bring back to life' the faces of the rich and the famous. Since then, over the last 100 years, there have been various methods used to produce reconstructions for forensic identification as well as for historical or archaeological purposes. These range from the traditional sculpting methods to those based on up-to-date computer technology. When no other method of identification is available in skeletalized, badly mutilated or decomposing remains, forensic cranio-facial reconstruction may be employed to produce a face which it is hoped will trigger recognition and thus lead to a positive identification. This paper discusses the role that cranio-facial reconstruction may play in identification and its limitations.