A hyper-realistic method for facial approximation: the case of the Italian humanist Angelo Poliziano.

Frequently, identification of individuals is problematical due to the level of associated decomposition and even more when the skeletal remains are incomplete or fragmented. The identikit, which includes a sketch or a facial reconstruction, could assist investigators with determining the identity of the decedent. Similarly, in archeology and physical anthropology it gives a realistic appearance to a historical character known only through iconography. We examined the skull of Angelo Poliziano, an Italian humanist of the 15(th) century. Previously, his facial approximation was completed in clay according to the Manchester protocol and then a duplication was prepared in ultra-realistic materials. This technique returns a long lasting 3D model of the individual and provides the perception to be in front of a real person and, although expensive, applied in forensic context could it improve the recognition of the individual.

Facial reconstruction of a wrapped Egyptian mummy using MDCT.

OBJECTIVE: Facial reconstruction of mummies and corpses in general is important in anthropological, medical, and forensic studies. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the role of MDCT examination for 3D facial reconstruction and report the results of multidisciplinary work performed by radiologists, anthropologists, and forensic police in reconstructing the possible physiognomy of an ancient Egyptian mummy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional MDCT data were obtained from a well-preserved, completely wrapped Egyptian mummy from the collection of the Egyptian Museum in Torino, Italy, which dated from the XXII or XXIII dynasty (945-715 BC). Data were used as a model for the rapid prototyping stereolithographic technique, a method that allows the creation of a 3D model with digital data using synthetic materials such as a resin or nylon. RESULTS: The physical creation of the face was accomplished with boosting techniques performed by the progressive layering of plasticine on the nylon model according to the anthropometric data, the conditions of the soft residual dehydrated tissues, and the most accepted scientific and anthropological criteria. CT is the only noninvasive method for obtaining fundamental data for 3D reconstructions of the skull and the body, especially with wrapped mummies. CONCLUSION: Our multidisciplinary cooperative study produced a model of the face of an individual who lived nearly 3,000 years ago, which would not previously have been possible unless we unwrapped, destroyed, and altered the conservation of the bandages and the mummy.