ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 2

Obtaining Fingerprints from Mummified Fingers: A Method for Tissue Rehydration Adapted from the Archeological Literature
Schmidt, CW
Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Archeology and Forensics Laboratory, University of Indianapolis, IN

Marlin, DC
Indiana University School of Dentistry, IN

Williamson, MA
Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Archeology and Forensics Laboratory, University of Indianapolis, IN

Nawrocki, SP
Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Archeology and Forensics Laboratory, University of Indianapolis, IN

(Received 16 July 1999; accepted 18 October 1999)

Abstract

Our laboratory was asked to help with the rehydration of mummified human fingertips that had been removed from a recently deceased, unidentified female. Using a solution that was found in the archeological literature, we were able to successfully rehydrate dermal tissues to the extent that fingerprints could be taken. We believe that this solution, which until now has not been described in the forensic literature, is effective, affordable, and relatively easy to produce and use.

Keywords:
forensic science, anthropology, mummification, dermatoglyphs, tissue rehydration

Paper ID: JFS14787J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14787J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.