Recently, I attended a speaking event and listened to the leader of the Anthropology Club at Georgia State University speak. He discussed forensic anthropology, which merges archaeological bone analysis with crime investigations.
Forensic anthropology uses many different techniques to discover the sex, age, and identity of a body. For example, to determine sex, Forensic Anthropologists often analyze the mastoid process and pelvis bones of the body. In men, the mastoid process is more pronounced, and in females, the pelvis is wider due to the birthing canal.
Numerous high-profile cases throughout history have been resolved thanks to Forensic anthropology. One notable example occurred in 1992 when William Maples, a renowned forensic anthropologist, led a team that authenticated the remains of the Romanov family. Additionally, Maples made significant contributions to another case involving the cause of death of U.S. President Zachary Taylor, who passed away in 1850. Amidst lingering speculation surrounding Taylor’s death, his grave was exhumed 140 years later for investigation. Maples conducted a thorough examination, including arsenic testing, which conclusively debunked rumors of foul play. His findings provided compelling evidence that Taylor had succumbed to gastroenteritis, dispelling long-standing suspicions of murder. These examples demonstrate the invaluable contributions of forensic anthropology in uncovering truth and dispelling myths surrounding historical events (Smithsonian, 2019).
Forensic Anthropology can also be a personally rewarding field. I had the ability to talk to a forensic anthropologist from Georgia State University. He described to me the deep satisfaction he got from solving cold cases. He explained how identifying a skeleton can bring closure to grieving families and help bring justice.
Forensic Anthropology is a fascinating field with interesting techniques, famous cases, and deep motivation behind the work.
Smithsonian. “William R. Maples Popularized Forensic Anthropology Long before CSI.” Smithsonian.Com, Smithsonian Institution, 7 Aug. 2017, http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/william-r-maples-popularized-forensic-anthropology-long-csi-180964317/.
Evolutionary Anthropology 