[Plastic face reconstruction as a possibility for identifying unknown skulls (II). An evaluation of the reliability of the reconstruction technic by a double-blind trial]

Abstract

In a double blind-trial two examiners reconstructed the soft tissue on lifelike casts of 12 skulls. They worked independently after having been given information about age, sex and constitution of the person in question and following a reconstruction plan based on the morphology of the skull. The comparison of the completed reconstruction with each other chiefly showed approximate to far-reaching degrees of resemblance and conformity. The comparison of reconstructions and photographs of the individuals also showed predominantly approximate to far-reaching likeness of the general impression, and, with one exception, at least little likeness was achieved. The reconstruction of soft tissue on the skull proved to be a relatively useful method of identifying unknown skulls, provided information on the colour and length of the hair, and possibly on the hairstyle as well, is at the examiner's disposal.