ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 11

A Method of Matching Skulls with Photographic Portraits Using Landmarks and Measurements of the Dentition
McKenna, JJI
Clinical oral surgeon, University of Hong Kong Prince Philip Dental Hospital,

Jablonski, NG
Lecturer and professor, University of Hong Kong,

Fearnhead, RW
Lecturer and professor, University of Hong Kong,

(Received 8 July 1983; accepted 5 October 1983)

Abstract

A method of matching and identifying skulls to family snapshots or passport photographs is described. The technique depends on the recovery of teeth, particularly the maxillary anterior teeth, with the skull and the availability of an antemortem photograph showing those teeth. Measurements of the anterior dentition of unidentified skulls are used to determine the magnification factor necessary for the preparation of life-sized transparencies of photographs. Superimposition of dental landmarks in these transparencies leads to correlation of further cranial features, thus enabling a successful positive identification. Suggestions are made for a system of identification based on assessment of visible features of the dentition.

Keywords:
odontology, physical anthropology, dentition, superimposition, photography, cranium, photographic superimposition

Paper ID: JFS11737J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11737J
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