Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Taphonomic changes to blunt force trauma: a preliminary study.

Stephanie E Calce1, Tracy L Rogers

  • 1Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road N., Mississauga, ON, Canada L5L 1C6. stephanie.calce@utoronto.ca

Journal of Forensic Sciences
|April 3, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Taphonomic processes like weathering and soil exposure can alter or hide blunt force trauma (BFT) evidence on skulls. Careful examination of skull openings is crucial for identifying BFT in remains.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Letter to the Editor commenting on "Incorrect formula for calculation of likelihood ratios used in forensic anthropology: Comments on Scott & Rogers (2026)'', by Morrison.

Forensic science international·2026
Same author

PUMAA: Establishing a protocol for utilizing machine learning in forensic anthropological analyses.

Journal of forensic sciences·2026
Same author

Statistical support for identification using epigenetic traits of the human skeleton.

Forensic science international·2025
Same author

A review of the literature on the applications of machine learning in forensic anthropology.

Forensic science international·2025
Same author

Use of laser-scanning confocal microscopy in the detection of diagenesis in bone.

Journal of forensic sciences·2021
Same author

Reprint of: Breaking the binary: The identification of trans-women in forensic anthropology.

Forensic science international·2020

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Taphonomy
  • Bioarchaeology

Background:

  • Blunt force trauma (BFT) analysis is critical in forensic investigations.
  • Taphonomic processes can significantly alter skeletal remains, potentially obscuring trauma evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how environmental taphonomic factors affect blunt force trauma evidence on pig skulls.
  • To determine if taphonomic changes can create pseudo-trauma or conceal actual trauma.

Main Methods:

  • 10 pig skulls were subjected to blunt force trauma using a hammer.
  • Skulls were then exposed to natural environmental conditions for 12 months.
  • Seven specific taphonomic changes were evaluated: freeze-thaw, rodent gnawing, carnivore scavenging, soil, precipitation, bone movement, and discoloration.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • Environmental factors such as freeze-thaw cycles, precipitation, soil, and bone displacement altered or disguised existing BFT.
  • Rodent and carnivore activity did not obliterate BFT evidence.
  • Taphonomic effects varied based on bone type (cancellous, compact, fresh, degreased).

Conclusions:

  • Taphonomic processes pose a significant challenge in identifying antemortem blunt force trauma.
  • Forensic anthropologists must carefully analyze large, circular openings in skulls as potential indicators of BFT.
  • Recommendations are provided for evaluating BFT in taphonomically altered remains.