Construction of a Low Cost Skull Holder for Forensic Photographic Superimposition

Abstract

<p>Photographic superimposition is a technique used for identification purposes in forensic practice. Skulls of skeletanised bodies, mass graves and putrefied bodies could be subjected to photographic superimposition with an ante-mortem photograph of the suspected victim with a life size photograph of the skull tested. An opinion regarding the identity would be made to courts based on superimposing anatomical landmarks and facial anthropometry. In order to facilitate photographic superimposition a skull holder is required with the facility of maintaining differential positions of the face and the skull to suit the view and the angle of the photograph to be superimposed. The aim of this project was to design and construct a low cost adjustable skull holder for purposes of forensic superimposition.</p>