Making Faces: Using Forensic and Archaeological Evidence

Introduces forensic archaeology, describes how human faces are reconstructed from skeletal remains, and explains what this can reveal about the past

Written for the general reader with an interest in the ancient world rather than for the forensic anthropologist, this work details the collaborative efforts of archaeologist Prag and medical artist Neave as they reconstruct the faces of several prominent historical figures. The authors draw on medical, historical, archaeological, and artistic sources to re-create in clay from the cast of skulls the faces they would argue belonged to such famous individuals as King Philip of Macedonia (father of Alexander the Great) and King Midas. Prag and Neave argue that facial reconstruction, while controversial within the archaeological community, is not intended to supplant traditional techniques but instead complements those approaches and provides a more complete view of the archaeological record. Their clearly written and engrossing narrative of a pioneering effort has the potential to contribute significantly to archaeological method. Carefully researched and richly illustrated, it is recommended for academic and public libraries with large anthropology collections.?Jim Woodman, Boston Athenaeum
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.