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Analysis of six Vietnamese trophy skulls
1National Museum of Health and Medicine, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|March 1, 1991
Summary
This study details trophy skull specimens from the Vietnam War, highlighting postmortem modifications. Proper identification is crucial for distinguishing these from archaeological and forensic remains.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Cultural Anthropology
Background:
- Trophy skull collecting has historical precedents.
- Understanding the context of such artifacts is vital for cultural analysis.
Observation:
- Examined six trophy skull specimens confiscated from U.S. servicemen during the Vietnam War.
- Specimens, primarily young Vietnamese males, showed postmortem decorative modifications like graffiti and painting.
Findings:
- Morphologic, metric, and contextual data were collected for each specimen.
- The modifications suggest a practice of personal adornment or commemoration.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of trophy skulls aids medicolegal and anthropological research.
- Distinguishing trophy remains from archaeological or forensic contexts is essential for accurate interpretation.