The Facial Reconstruction of Simon Sudbury

Predicting the Facial Features

Face Shape

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The transverse arc of the cranium.
The pentagonoid shape of the transverse arc of the cranium and the 90 degree angle of the jaw suggest that the shape of Simon's face will be a square shape.


The Eyes

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The position of the malar tubercle and the lacrimal crest suggest that the eye fissure will be horizontal with a central epicanthal fold.
The low nasal root and weak brow ridge suggest that the eye brows will form an s-shape.



The Mouth

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As there were no teeth present on the skull, the thickness of the lips had to be estimated.  Taking the age of the skull into account, and the teeth that were missing prior to his death, Simon will be given thin lips that are slightly sunken.  The width of the mouth will be determined by the position of the medial border of the iris.  Naso-labial folds will be present caused by the missing mandibulary molars and the natural sagging of the skin with age.


The Nose

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The nasal bones are broad and rounded with simple contours  that form a bell-shape.  The nasal spine is directed upwards.  The nasal aperture itself is wide and rounded.  This suggests a broad fleshy nose that will be upturned.


The Ears

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The mastoid processes are large and point downwards suggesting that the ears are adherent (i.e., they have no lobes).  The prominent supramastoid crest indicates upper ear protrusion, while the rough surface of the mastoid process indicates lower ear protrusion. 


References

Wilkinson, CM.  (2004) Forensic Facial Reconstruction.  Cambridge University Press.


Images by Adrienne Barker