Forensic Anthropology Case

Site Name

Mohamed Adnan
Michelle Gorbonosov
Zahava Hirsch
CUNY Brooklyn College
michellegorbonosov@gmail.com
zahavahirsch@gmail.com
Mohamed.adnan@macaulay.cuny.edu

Executive Summary
Site Monitoring
The site monitoring was conducted by the forensic archeologist in charge of the excavation.
The authors of this report were not present during the initial discovery of the remains or
during the removal of the remains. The authors relied on post-excavation documentation
provided to them for contextual information regarding the skeletal remains that were
found. Dates of the excavation were not provided. The remains were found in a shallow
grave described as being approximately 1.5 meters by 1.5 meters, with a maximum depth
of 1.25 meters. Both skeletal and dental remains were found in a heavily wooded area near
a stream that flows all year-round. The initial assumption was that this site held the
remains for one individual, although evidence suggests that the burial site had been opened
multiple times leading to the remains being jumbled. In addition to skeletal remains found
in the grave, additional remains were found on the surface close to the stream. The
excavation site was situated approximately 25 kilometers from the nearest town. There has
been a significant time lapse of five years from the time of the initial discover of the human
remains and the time of the analysis provided in this report.

Purpose
The purpose of the analysis of the excavated remains is to determine the identity of the
missing persons.

Laboratory Analysis
The laboratory analysis was conducted on the Brooklyn College campus in the basement of
the Ingersol building. Proper measuring instruments were provided, however, the authors
had no DNA analysis equipment at their disposal.

Methodology Skeletal Analysis

The identification of the remains excavated followed standard forensic anthropology
protocol. Skeletal sex, age, ancestry, stature and pathology were all determined whenever
possible. The determination of sex was based on standards of analysis based on differences
in morphology on specific locations of the skull as described in Buikstra and Ubelaker
(1994) and specific locations of the pelvis. Determination of age was based on standards of
analysis of cranial suture closure, as described by Meindle and Lovejoy (1985). Specific
areas of the cranial bones were also used to determine ancestry based on analysis methods
described by Klepinger (2006) and Bass (2005). Measurements were taken from all cranial
and post-cranial bones, and long bone measurements were used for stature reconstruction
based on stature reconstruction formulas provided. All skeletal material was analyzed for
pathology macroscopically and all pathology found was documented according to the
suggestions provided in Ortner (2003) and Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994).

Methodology Recording
All skeletal and dental remains from the excavation site described above were recorded
following the general standards provided by Buikstra and Ubelaker (1994). Data forms
were created based on data obtained from initial analysis of the remains in the forensic lab.
Each of the skeletal material collected and analyzed is provided with identifying specimen
numbers.

Methodology Photographs
All bones and teeth were photographed to provide image referencing for this report. All
photographs were taken with an iPhone 5.

Statement of Ethics
All skeletal material was handled ethically and responsibly during the course of this
analysis. It is understood that these remains represent missing persons and they were
treated as such. No misconduct occurred with the remains.

Report Format
Each of the skeletal remains excavated is given its own sub-report titled with its specific
specimen identification number. The data charts associated with each of the remains are
found within their corresponding sub-reports. The photographs are referenced in the subreports they correspond to, but are found grouped together at the end of this report.
Additionally, all references used are also at the end of this report.

Individual Reports
SP# 237G (Complete Skull)
SP# 0097 (Mandible)
SP# 0595 (Pelvis)
SP # 0732 (Left Femur)
SP #0705 (Right Clavicle)
Summary Overview
Date of excavation was not provided. Sp# 237G is a complete skull that was found at the
excavation site detailed previously. SP# 0097 is a complete mandible that was found
broken in two pieces at the same site. SP# 0595 is a left pelvic bone, the other parts of the
pelvis were not found. SP# 0732 is a left femoral bone, which was found at the excavation
site. SP #0705 is a right clavicle bone, which was found at the excavation site.
The excavation grave was shallow, about 1.5 meters by 1.5 meters with a depth of 1.25
meters. The remains were excavated and then placed in a cardboard box for five years
before analysis took place. No tissue remained on the bones. It is unclear exactly where in
the excavation site the remains were found, being that some skeletal remains were found in
the shallow grave while others were found above ground near the river and the location of
each of the specific bones excavated was not recorded carefully. No soil residue was left on
the remains.
The skull was complete and some teeth remained in the maxilla, all of which are detailed in
the data chart provided. Based on analysis of the specific sex location on the skull, the sex is
determined to be male. Based on suture closure (refer to Image 3) the age is determined to
be around 45.2 years. Unique pathologies were observed on the skull. There are a number
of bumps on the frontal and parietal bones (refer to Image 3). There is a slight discoloration
at various points along the skull. Additionally, both temporal bones are jutting out, as if the
squamosal sutures never fused or were fused and then broke open due to some sort of
trauma (refer to Image 4 and 5). There is also microporosity present along the skull.
The sex of the mandible was determined to be male. It was recovered in two pieces, having
been cracked down the center-left, presumably post mortem. Multiple smaller cracks were
found throughout the mandible as well. Many teeth were not recovered, but some did
remain in the mandible. All teeth are documented in the data chart provided. Teeth #18
and 19 were missing but the bone seems irregularly smooth, indicating that those two
teeth may have never grown in. It is uncertain whether or not the mandible and the skull
are from the same individual. However, being that there is no evidence to prove otherwise,
it is assumed that both are from the same person.
The sex of the pelvis was determined to be male. The age range of the pelvis was
determined to be 35-45 years. Both the pelvic sex and age correspond with the sex and age

of the complete skull found, as well as the sex of the mandible. Therefore, these may all be
part of the same individual. The observed pathologies on the pelvis include microporosity
and chipped bone.

SP# 237G-Skull Inventory

Cranial Inventory and pathology:
The skull recovered was complete, without any visibly significant missing pieces.
Pathologies found include bump trauma on the frontal and parietal bones. A bump of the
bone was also found next to the area of T#1 on the maxilla. Additionally, the temporal
bones were cracked by the squamosal sutures and were jutting out. This can be a result of
the sutures never having fused or the fusion braking apart due to some trauma. Slight
discoloration and microporostiy is also observed throughout the cranial bones. See Table 1.
Table 1: Complete Skull and Mandible Bone Inventory
SP#

BONE

SIDE

COMP

PATH

CNT

237G

FRO

N/A

Yes

PAR

Yes

PAR

Yes

OCC

N/A

Yes

COMM
Bump on the left and right side by the coronal suture. Discoloration on the right side
of the frontal love. Microporosity towards the nasal part of the frontal lobe.
Bump on the left side towards the middle of the bone. The lobe has a yellow
discoloration and is slightly deformed. There is a large bump present.
There are three bumps present towards the coronal suture. White and yellow
discoloration throughout this lobe.
Slightly discolored and microporosity present.

TEM

Yes

The temporal bone is popping out and the squamosal suture seems unfused.

TEM

Yes

MAX

N/A

Yes

ZYG

Yes

The temporal bone is popping out and the squamosal suture seems unfused.
There are cracks, holes and microporosity present in the bone. There is a bump by
tooth #1
Discoloration and microporosity on the bone. The bone looks misshapen.

ZYG

Yes

The bone is slightly discolored and is rough. There is a curve at the bottom.

SPH

Yes

The suture is slightly unfused/broken on the temporal side

SPH

Yes

The suture is slightly unfused/broken on the temporal and zygomatic side

The mandible is broken down the middle left side. Some teeth are missing. There is a
0097 MAN
N/A
1
Yes
1
crack along the right side and a slight crack on top. There is discoloration
throughout the bone. On both sides there is an indentation.
COMP=COMPLETENESS OF THE BONE SCORE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING: 1=75%-100%; 2=50%-75%; 3=25%-50%; 4=<25%;
NP=NOT PRESENT
BONE CODES: FRONTAL=FRO; PARIETAL=PAR; OCCIPITAL=OCC; TEMPORAL=TEM; MAXILLA=MAX; MANDIBLE=MAN;
ZYGOMATIC=ZYG; SPHENOID=SPH; SIDE: LEFT=L; RIGHT=R; PATH: YES OR NO; CNT: COUNT=1

Maxilla Dentiton:
Four teeth were found remaining in the maxilla: T#4,5,13,16. All the rest of the teeth were
not recovered, either because they were lost pre or post mortem. Some calculus was found
on T#4 and some root was protruding from T#5 (Table 2). However, some calculus is
normal and the root protrusion may have happened as a result of the handling postmortem.
Table 2: Maxilla Dental Inventory
SP#
MM39237G

T#
1

Path

CAR

CAL

HYP

CNT
0

Notes
Tooth missing or is lost post mortem.

Tooth missing or is lost post mortem.

Tooth missing or is lost post mortem.

Calculus on buccal side

Yes

Root is protruding out of upper maxilla

Tooth missing or is lost post mortem.

Tooth missing or is lost post mortem.

Tooth missing or is lost post mortem.

Tooth missing or is lost post mortem.

10

Tooth missing or is lost post mortem.

11

Tooth missing or is lost post mortem.

12

Tooth missing or is lost post mortem.

13

No pathology found on the tooth.

14

Tooth missing or lost ante mortem.

15

Tooth missing or lost ante mortem.

16
1 No pathology found on the tooth.
Key: CAR=Caries; CAL=Calculus; HYP=Hypoplasia; Path=Pathology (Yes/No). In your comments you must indicate the location (surface
affected) for all caries.

Cranial Sex Determination:

Based on the sex differences on the 4 locations of the skull we determined that the sex of
the skull was male (glabella, supra-orbital, mastoid process, and nuchal crest). See Table 3.
Table 3: Sex Determination-Complete Skull and Mandible
SP#

GLA

SOM

MAP

NUC

MEE

SEX

COMM
We are not certain if the skull and mandible are from the same
4
3
4
4
N/A
Male
individual.
0090
We are not certain if the skull and mandible are from the same
N/A N/A
N/A
N/A
4
Male
individual.
Key: GLA=Glabella; SOM=Supra-Orbital Margin; MAP=Mastoid Process; NUC=Nuchal Crest; MEE=Mental Eminence; Scoring: 1=Female;
2=Female?; 3=?; 4=Male?; 5=Male (SEE HAND OUT FOR DRAWING OF SPECIFIC REGIONS)
237G

Cranial Age Determination:

Based on suture closure at the vault points, this skull is aged at 45.2 years. See Table 4.
Table 4: Complete Skull Age Determination Sutures: Vault Only
SP#

MLAM

LAM

V-OBE

ASAG

BRE

M-COR

PTER

C-SCR

AVG

COMM

237G

1
2
3
2
2
1
3
14
45.2 Age based on 7 points on the skull
Key: MLAM=Mid-Lambdodial; LAM=Lambda; OBE=Obelion; ASAG=Anterior Sagital; BRE=Bregrma; MCOR=Mid-Coronal; PTER=Pterion;
C-SCR=Composite Score; AVG=Average Age

Cranial Ancestry:
Based on visual analysis of various locations on the skull, the ancestry of the individual is
unclear. Based on the cranial index the ancestry seems to be white or black. However based
on nasal index the ancestry seems to be Asian (Table 5). Based on the non-metric ancestry
there were some confusing results. The presence of Wormian bones was unclear and the
central incisors were not present for analysis on the maxilla. Additionally the eye orbit
shape was unclear, either coinciding with black ancestry or Asian ancestry. All the other
non-metric data pointed toward Asian ancestry (Table 6). The combination of metric and

non-metric data recorded for the skull leads to the conclusion that the individual is of Asian
decent.

Table 5: Cranial Measurements-Metric Ancestry

MEAS-TYPE

MEAS

MxCB

13.0

MxCL

17.0

MxNB

2.2

MxNL

4.9

Index

Ancestry

76.47%

White/black

44.90%

Asian

MEAS-NOTES
Percentage comes close to the cutoff point between white and black ancestry.
Can be either.

MxCB=Maximum Cranial Breadth; MxCL=Maximum Cranial Length; MxNB=Maximium Nasal Breadth; MxNL=Maximium Nasal Length

Table 6: Compete Skull Non-metric Ancestry

Trait
Suture Pattern
Metopic Suture (Present/Absent)
Wormian Bones (Present/Absent)
Eye Orbit Shape
Nasal Cavity Shape
Palate Shape
Central Incisors (Present/Absent)

Visual Assessment
Complex
Not Present
Some may be present
Rounded
Oval Shaped
Rounded
No incisors

Ancestry
Asian
Asian
?
Black or Asian
Asian
Asian
?

SP# 0097: Mandible Ancestry

Mandible inventory and pathology:
The Mandible was broken down the center-left (refer to Image 2). Both pieces fit together,
showing that they are part of the same bone. There are slight cracks throughout the
mandible bone, which may have happened peri or post mortem. On the inner surface,
toward either end, there is a slight indentation running down the bone. It is unclear
whether this is pathology or simply an abnormality. There is slight discoloration along the
mandible, which may be due to the soil it was buried in (refer to Table 1).
Mandible Sex Determination:
Based on the shape of the mental eminence, the sex of the mandible is determined to be
male (refer to Table 3).
Mandible Age Determination:
Age cannot be determined from the mandible. It can only be assumed that the mandible
and the complete skull are from the same individual, leading the age to be around 45 years.
Mandible Dentition:
Most teeth were recovered with the mandible, although some are missing. There is some
calculus, hypoplasia and caries present on the teeth. T#18 and 19 present interesting
pathologies; they appear to have never grown in due to the fact that the bone where those
two teeth should be is completely smooth. See table 7.

Table 7: Mandible Dental Inventory

SP#

T#

BCA 0090
(right
lower
mandible)

32

Path

CAR

CAL

HYP

CNT

Yes

31

Yes

Calculus is present on the distal side.

Caries present on buccal side.

30

Tooth is missing or lost during ante mortem.

29

No pathology was found.

28

No pathology was found.

27

Yes

Damage present on labial surface.

26

Yes

Damage on labial surface. Calculus present on lingual/interproximal side.

25

BCA 0097
(left
lower
mandible)

Notes

No pathology was found.

24

Yes

Calculus on lingual side of tooth.

23

Yes

22

Yes

Calculus on lingual side of tooth.

Calculus on lingual side of tooth. The tooth is cracked and split down the root
center.

21

Yes

20

Yes

Calculus on distal side of tooth. Tooth fell off post mortem, however is given
separately.

Calculus on interproximal side of tooth and the root is visible.

The tooth is missing. Bone is smooth and tooth may have not grown in or lost
19
0
ante mortem
The tooth is missing. Bone is smooth and tooth may have not grown in or lost
18
0
ante mortem
17
Yes?
1 Possible calculus on lingual side.
Key: CAR=Caries; CAL=Calculus; HYP=Hypoplasia; Path=Pathology (Yes/No). In your comments you must indicate the location (surface
affected) for all caries.

SP# 0595: Pelvis

Pelvis Inventory and Pathology:
Only the left innominate (refer to Image 1) was recovered. Microporisity was present
throughout the bone and areas of the bone chipped off, leaving spongy bone visible (refer
to Image 1). The acetabulum has a hole inside it. See table 8.
Table 8: Pelvis Inventory
SP#

BONE

SIDE

COMP

PATH

AGE

CNT

COMM
Pores present throughout the whole bone. The ilium area has bones chipped
0595 INN
L
1
Yes
off. There is a bone chipped off near the acetabulum. The acetabulum has a
hole inside it.
Long Bone and Pelvis Codes: HUM=Humerus; ULN=Ulna; RAD=Radius; CLA=Clavicle; FEM=Femur ; Innominate=INN; COMP= 1=75%100%; 2=50%-75%; 3=25%-50%; 4=<25%
1

Pelvis Sex Determination:

Based on the sex characteristics of the pelvis, the sex is determined to be Male. There is no
ventral arch, sub-pubic angle or medial aspect present. The greater siactic notch was
measured at 3, which can be either male or female. See table 9.
Table 9: Sex Determination-Pelvis
SP#

V-ARC

SPC

MIPR

GSN

SPA

SEX

COMM

0595

No
No
No
3
N/A
Male The pelvis is male because there is no MIPR, SPC, or V-ARC present
Key: V-ARC=Ventral Arch; SPC=Subpubic Angle; MIPR=Medial Aspect Ischio-pubic Ramus; GSN=Greater Siactic Notch; SPA=Subpubic
Angle

Pelvis Age Determination:

The age determination of the pelvis is based on the pubic symphysis and the auricular
surface. Based on the scoring of the smoothness of these locations, the age of this bone is
determined to be 35-45 years. See table 10.
Table 10: Age Determination-Pelvis
SP#

SIDE

0595

PS

AUR-S

Fusion

Age
COMM
354
5
Fused
The pelvis age ranges from 35-45 years old.
45
Key: PS=Pubic Symphysis; AUR-S: Auricular Surface

SP # 0732: Left Femur

Femur inventory and pathology:
Macroporisity was visible throughout the bone and mostly towards the ends of the bone
(Image 16). The joint areas of the bone were chipped off, leaving spongy bone visible
(Image 16).
Table 11: Femur Inventory
SP#

BONE

SIDE

COMP

PATH

AGE

CNT
1

0732

FEM

Yes

COMM
Both ends of the bone are chipped and discolored. There is a rough area
running along the bone. The middle of the bone is discolored and the
whole bone is porous. A mark present in the center that is running widthwise along the bone.

Femur Sex Determination:

This bone was determined to be a male femur based on the maximum diameter of the head
of the femur. A Male femur is indicated by a head diameter of 48 cm and the observed head
diameter was recorded to be 48.26 cm, which confirms that it belonged to a Male
individual. This femur was grouped along with this individual because the individual was
found to be male and the femur was also found to belong to a male.

Femur Stature Determination:

The stature was calculated using femoral bone stature formulas given. The Asian formula
was used because the skull was determined to be Asian and it was assumed that the femur
belonged to the same individual. The stature was found to be 176.329 cm.
Table 12: Stature Determination -Femur
SP#
0732

BONE

SIDE

COMP

FUSED

MxL

FEM

Yes

48.26

FORMULA
(Male)[(2.15 x
48.26) + 72.57]

A-STA1
176.329

AGE2

MEAS-NOTES

SP #0705: Right Clavicle

Clavicle inventory and Pathology:
Small pores we observed along the joint portions of the bone (Table 13).
Table 13: Clavicle Inventory
SP#
0705

BONE
CLA

SIDE
R

COMP
1

PATH

AGE

Yes

CNT
1

COMM
There is yellow and blue discoloration on the bone. It contains pores,
lines, and marks down the middle.

Clavicle Age Determination:

The age determination is uncertain, but the complete fusion of the bone means that the
individual is over 29 years old. Since the clavicle had no certain age or sex determination, it
can be grouped along with this individual.

SP# J-51-129-017E (Partial Skull)

SP# 0728 (Right Femur)
SP# 0754 (Left Ulna)
Summary Overview
Date of Excavation was not provided. SP# J-51-129-017E is a partial skull that was found at
the excavation site described previously. The excavation grave was shallow, about 1.5
meters by 1.5 meters with a depth of 1.25 meters. The remains were excavated and then
placed in a cardboard box for five years before analysis took place. No tissue remained on
the bones. It is unclear exactly where in the excavation site the remains were found, being
that some skeletal remains were found in the shallow grave while others were found above
ground near the river and the location of each of the specific bones excavated was not
recorded carefully. No soil residue was left on the remains.
Only part of the frontal and parietal bones were recovered. Pathologies were present on all
the bones. Sex, age and stature could not be determined accurately since so much of the
skull was missing.

SP # J-51-129-017E Partial Skull

Skull Inventory and Pathology:

Only part of the frontal and parietal bones were present on the partial skull. Pathologies
include discoloration, dark lines and cracks and dark patches (refer to Images 6 and 7).
Usually vein imprints are apparent on the inside surface of the frontal lobe; however, the
frontal lobe on this partial skull does not have any of the usual imprints. See table 14.
Table 14: Partial Skull Bone Inventory
SP#

BON
E

SID
E

COM
P

PAT
H

CNT

COMM

Frontal bone is broken and the part closer to the eyes on the left side is cut off. The
J-51coronal suture is fused on the right side but mostly unfused on the left side. There is
129FRO
N/A
1
Yes
1
discoloration along the front of the skull closer to the right side. Dark lines and cracks
017
present along the skull. The inside part of the skull has dark patches, large pores, and
E
no venous lines (may indicate a disease).
The bone is broken apart and was pieces together. There are still dark patches and
PAR
R
4
Yes
1
small cracks all around. The sagittal suture is mostly fused. On the inner side of the
bone there are dark patches and holes present.
This lobe barely complete. It is discolored on the outside part and contains dark
PAR
L
4
Yes
1
patches and some venous line on the inside.
COMP=COMPLETENESS OF THE BONE SCORE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING: 1=75%-100%; 2=50%-75%; 3=25%-50%; 4=<25%;
NP=NOT PRESENT
BONE CODES: FRONTAL=FRO; PARIETAL=PAR; OCCIPITAL=OCC; TEMPORAL=TEM; MAXILLA=MAX; MANDIBLE=MAN;
ZYGOMATIC=ZYG; SPHENOID=SPH; SIDE: LEFT=L; RIGHT=R; PATH: YES OR NO; CNT: COUNT=1

Partial Skull Age Determination:

Only two vault suture locations were present on the partial skull (refer to image 6). This
did not provide enough information for age determination. However, based on the suture
closure of the two present locations (bregma and mid coronal) it is apparent that the
partial skull does not belong to a very young child. See table 15.
Table 15: Age Determination: Partial Skull
SP#

MLAM LAM V-OBE ASAG BRE M-COR PTER C-SCR AVG

COMM
J-51129N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3
3
N/A
N/A
Not enough of skull present to determine age
017E
Key: MLAM=Mid-Lambdodial; LAM=Lambda; OBE=Obelion; ASAG=Anterior Sagital; BRE=Bregrma; MCOR=Mid-Coronal; PTER=Pterion;
C-SCR=Composite Score; AVG=Average Age

SP # 0728 : Right Femur

Femur Inventory and Pathology:
There was a layer of fibrous bone present on the mesial end of the bone, which indicates a
fracture (Image 17). The joint areas of the bone were chipped off, leaving spongy bone
visible (Image 17).
Table 16: Femur Inventory
SP#
0728

BONE
FEM

SIDE
R

COMP
1

PATH

AGE

CNT
1

Yes

COMM
The bone is porous and is chipped on the head. Fibrous bone present on
the mesial end that can possibly indicate a fracture.

Femur Sex Determination:

The sex determination of the bone is based on the maximum diameter of the head of the
femur, but the recorded diameter was found to be 44.45 cm. The sex is unclear based on
the recorded diameter, as it can be either a Male or a Female, so the specific sex of the
individual is uncertain.

Femur Stature Determination:

The stature was calculated using femur bone stature formulas given. The Asian formula
was used because the skull was determined to be Asian and it was assumed that the femur
belonged to the same individual. Since the sex was uncertain, both Male and Female
calculations were used for stature. The stature was found to be 168.14 cm for a Male and
167.13 cm for a Female (Table 17). Since the sex cannot be determined for the femur and
also the stature measurements for the femur (both male and female) is very close to the
partial skull, it was placed under the partial skull individual.
Table 17: Stature Determination - Femur
SP#

BONE

SIDE

COMP

FUSED

MxL

FEM

Yes

44.45

FORMULA
(Male)[(2.15 x
44.45) + 72.57]
(Female)[(2.44
x 44.45) +
58.67]

0728

A-STA1

AGE2

MEAS-NOTES

168.14
167.13

SP # 0754: Left Ulna

Ulna Inventory and Pathology:
The bone was porous and was chipped towards the joint area (Image 10). There were
variations in the color throughout the bone (Image 10).
Table 18: Ulna Inventory
SP#
0754

BONE
ULN

SIDE
L

COMP
1

PATH

AGE

Yes

CNT
1

COMM
The bone contains pores and is chipped at the bottom. Discoloration
throughout the bone.

Ulna Stature Determination:

The stature was calculated using ulna bone stature formulas given. The Asian formula was
used because the skull was determined to be Asian and it was assumed that the ulna
belonged to the same individual. Since the sex was uncertain, both Male and Female
calculations were used for stature. The stature was found to be 168.73 cm for a Male and

167.94 for a Female. Since the sex cannot be determined for the ulna and also the stature
measurements for the ulna (both male and female) is very close to the partial skull, it was
placed under the partial skull individual.
Table 19: Stature Determination - Ulna
SP#

BONE

SIDE

COMP

FUSED

MxL

ULN

Yes

26.23

0754

FORMULA
(Male)[(3.84 x
26.23) + 77.45]
(Female)[(3.56
x 26.23) +
74.56]

A-STA1
168.73
167.94

AGE2

MEAS-NOTES

23+

Juvenile Humerus
Summary Overview
Date of Excavation was not provided. A humerus was found along with the other remains at
the excavation site detailed previously. The excavation grave was shallow, about 1.5 meters
by 1.5 meters with a depth of 1.25 meters. The remains were excavated and then placed in
a cardboard box for five years before analysis took place. No tissue remained on the bones.
It is unclear exactly where in the excavation site the remains were found, being that some
skeletal remains were found in the shallow grave while others were found above ground
near the river and the location of each of the specific bones excavated was not recorded
carefully. No soil residue was left on the remains.
Unlike the other bones recovered, this bone belongs to a juvenile individual. The age was
determined based on size and suture fusion of the bone. The bone was incomplete, a large
part was broken off and missing (refer to Image 8). Sex and stature could not be
determined based on the bone recovered.
Juvenile Humorous Age Determination:
Based on the measurement of the maximum length of the humerus, the age of the juvenile
is 3-3.5 years.
Table 20: Post-Cranial Measurement: Age of Juvenile Humerus
SP#

BONE

SIDE

COMP

FUSED

MxL

FORMULA

ASTA1

AGE2

MEAS-NOTES

Large part of bone is broken off on one

end, leaving the inside of the bone
visible. Some spongy bone and empty
space can be seen inside.
Key: HUM=Humerus; ULN=Ulna; RAD=Radius; FEM=Femur; COMP=Complete; MxL=Maximum Length; MEAS-DATE=Measurement Date;
INSTR=Instrument; OMB=Osteometric Board; SLC=Sliding Caliper
Juvenile

HUM

No

15.25

N/A

N/A

3-3.5

SP# 0705 (Left Radius)

Summary Overview

Date of Excavation was not provided. SP# 0705 is a left radius bone that was found at the
excavation site described previously. The excavation grave was shallow, about 1.5 meters
by 1.5 meters with a depth of 1.25 meters. The remains were excavated and then placed in
a cardboard box for five years before analysis took place. No tissue remained on the bones.
It is unclear exactly where in the excavation site the remains were found, being that some
skeletal remains were found in the shallow grave while others were found above ground
near the river and the location of each of the specific bones excavated was not recorded
carefully. No soil residue was left on the remains.

Left Radius Inventory and Pathology:

The bone was chipped off towards the upper portion and around the joint area. The bone
was porous and was darker colored towards the joint area (Image 12).
Table 21: Radius Inventory
SP#
0705

BONE
RAD

SIDE
L

COMP
1

PATH

AGE

CNT
1

Yes

COMM
The bone is porous, contains a hole, and is discolored throughout. Some of
the bone is chipping off.

Left Radius Sex Determination:

The sex determination of the bone is based on the maximum diameter of the head of the
radius, but the recorded diameter was found to be 24.95 cm. The sex is unclear based on
the recorded diameter, as it can be either a Male or a Female, so the specific sex of the
individual is uncertain.

Left Radius Age Determination:

The fusion of the left radius is indicative that the individual was over 20 years old, but this
is uncertain.

Left Radius Stature Determination:

The stature was calculated using radius bone stature formulas given. The Asian formula
was used because the skull was determined to be Asian and it was assumed that the radius
belonged to the same individual. Since the sex was uncertain, both Male and Female
calculations were used for stature. The stature was found to be 170.32 cm for a Male and
169.28 cm for a Female. The stature measurements do not match any of the other numbers
the left radius was placed as a separate individual.
Table 22: Stature Determination - Radius
SP#

BONE

SIDE

COMP

FUSED

MxL

0705
RAD

Yes

Summary Overview

24.95

FORMULA
(Male)[(3.54 x
24.95) + 82]
(Female)[(3.55 x
24.95) + 80.71]

ASTA1
170.32
169.28

AGE2

MEAS-NOTES

20+

SP# 0620 (Left Humerus)

Date of Excavation was not provided. SP# 0620 is a left humerus bone that was found at the
excavation site described previously. The excavation grave was shallow, about 1.5 meters
by 1.5 meters with a depth of 1.25 meters. The remains were excavated and then placed in

a cardboard box for five years before analysis took place. No tissue remained on the bones.
It is unclear exactly where in the excavation site the remains were found, being that some
skeletal remains were found in the shallow grave while others were found above ground
near the river and the location of each of the specific bones excavated was not recorded
carefully. No soil residue was left on the remains.

Left Humerus Inventory and Pathology:

The bone had dark vein like-like lines and red discoloration towards the bottom of the
bone. The bone was porous and exhibited chipped areas that exposed spongy bone tissue.
There is a possible fracture towards the middle region of the bone (Image 14).
Table 23: Humerus Inventory
SP#
0620

BONE
HUM

SIDE
L

COMP
1

PATH

AGE

CNT
1

Yes

COMM
Black vein-like lines present on the bottom of bone. There is red
discoloration, pores, and white lines down the bone. Small pieces of the bone
are chipping off. There may be a possible fracture in the middle of the bone

Left Humerus Sex Determination:

The sex determination of the bone is based on the maximum diameter of the head of the
humerus, but the recorded diameter was found to be 33.23 cm. The sex is unclear based on
the recorded diameter, as it can be either a Male or a Female, so the specific sex of the
individual is uncertain.

Left Humerus Age Determination:

The fusion of the left humerus is indicative that the individual was over 22 years old, but
this is uncertain.

Left Humerus Stature Determination:

The stature was calculated using humerus bone stature formulas given. The Asian formula
was used because the skull was determined to be Asian and it was assumed that the
humerus belonged to the same individual. Since the sex was uncertain, both Male and
Female calculations were used for stature. The stature was found to be 172.25 cm for a
Male and 159.29 cm for a Female. The stature measurements do not match any of the other
numbers the left humerus was placed as a separate individual.
Table 24: Stature Determination - Humerus
SP#

BONE

SIDE

COMP

FUSED

MxL

0620
HUM

Yes

33.23

FORMULA
(Male)[(2.68 x
33.23) + 83.19]
(Female)[(2.29 x
33.23) + 83.19]

ASTA1

AGE2

172.25
159.29

22+

MEAS-NOTES

Image 1. Pelvis

Image 2. Mandible

Pictures of Bones

Image 3. Skull

Image 4. Left Side of Skull

Image 5. Right Side of Skull

Image 6. Partial Skull Outside

Image 7. Partial Skull Inside

Image 8 &9. Anterior & Posterior Side of Juvenile Humerus

Image 10&11. Ulna

Images 12 & 13. Radius

Images 14 & 15. Adult Humerus

Images 16 & 17. Femur

Images 18 & 19. Clavicle

***questionable bones have own report as well***

Specimen Number (make up?) & bone numbers of each

Summary of information from your analysis and the contextual information (burial
location, depth of burial, surface deposit, date of excavation, date you received the material,
etc)
***CAN MAKE SUBCATEGORIES FOR DIFFERENT BONES WITHIN THE INDIVIDUAL***

Post-Cranial Inventory and Measurement

Write what bones you have present and can site bone measurements to the
tables (can either place table below or on the next page of the report)

Summary
Based on the skeletal material analyzed in the laboratory, number individuals
were identified.
***REFERENCE TABLES***
1) Summary of age for each
2) Summary of Sex for each & stature
3) Summary of pathology
4) Summary of ancestry
***Match up with missing persons and compare***
***questionable bones should be discussed here as well***
Make sure missing person is in the report discuss why or why not it matches
the bones

PLAN:
1) MNI
2) Measurements, formulas
3) Sex
4) Age, stature,
5) Dentition
6) Pathology BE VERY DETAILED look for fractures, veins, scratches
a. For bones INCLUDING TEETH
7) List of all bones you have (L or R)
8) Take pictures