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Shrunken head (tsantsa): a complete forensic analysis procedure.

P Charlier1, I Huynh-Charlier, L Brun

  • 1Department of Forensic Pathology and Medicine, University Hospital R. Poincaré (AP-HP, UVSQ), 92380 Garches, France. ph_charlier@yahoo.fr

Forensic Science International
|June 30, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Forensic anthropologists have developed a new procedure to analyze shrunken heads (tsantsa). This method uses 14 morphological criteria and advanced imaging for identification and repatriation efforts.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Bioarchaeology
  • Cultural Anthropology

Background:

  • Shrunken heads (tsantsa) are culturally significant artifacts requiring expert analysis.
  • Forensic anthropologists are increasingly consulted for expertise on these human remains.
  • Existing literature lacks a standardized forensic procedure for tsantsa analysis.

Observation:

  • A novel forensic procedure for analyzing shrunken heads has been developed.
  • The procedure incorporates 14 original morphological criteria assessing aspect, color, deformation, and associated materials.
  • Complementary analyses include CT-scan and microscopic examination.

Findings:

  • The developed criteria were tested on a control sample of 20 tsantsa.
  • The procedure provides a comprehensive framework for the anthropological examination of shrunken heads.
  • Morphological criteria effectively characterize tsantsa based on visual and material evidence.

Implications:

  • This standardized procedure aids forensic anthropologists in identifying and authenticating shrunken heads.
  • It supports the ethical repatriation of cultural artifacts to indigenous communities, such as the Jivaro or Shuar.
  • Enhanced forensic analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of tsantsa cultural practices and provenance.