Facial reconstructions, like archaeology, consists of many layers that one must get through to understand the whole picture. The development of the methods that reconstructions rely on, occurred during the 20th century. By focusing on the various elements such as studies of tissue depth, chemical processes (DNA and isotope analysis), solid craftsmanship and the development of computer technology, researchers around the world have been able to build a method that can give us an extended understanding of history. However, a lot of opinions have risen for the subject, people begin to question it ́s accuracy and what the real purpose really is. Besides the reliability of facial reconstruction, the experience of how a facial reconstruction is perceived by another person is equally important, the ethical principles have been brought up to discussion because it involves human remains. Discussions may occur during cases when facial reconstructions are inevitable, one example could be with minority groups that have a different view on how a body should be handled and treated after death. These scenarios are more likely to develop in the identification in forensic contexts, but the problem may also increase in archaeological contexts if the remains are from more recent times and the individuals as a population group has suffered repression. Therefore, this paper aims to discuss such questions but also embark on a mission to perform a facial reconstruction of an individual from the medieval church of St. Hans and the challenges that may occur during the way. The American method used in this essay shows that you can get a good result by following the instructions and guidelines that are displayed in various books and articles.

In theory, a facial reconstruction can sound quite easy. There are handbooks that describe the process step by step and for the untrained eye all skulls look almost the same. However, this is not the case. Every skull has it ́s unique shape and proportions which make up our significant variations in our faces. It is what make us distinguishable from one another. The work of a forensic artist combine science and art in the fields of archeology and anthropology with forensic methods. This paper will take you through the journey, beginning with the history with the development of the early science to our modern techniques in forensic cases. It will include case files of modern forensic facial reconstruction and reconstructions of famous people that has been done throughout the years. The analyze and discussion will focus on the problematic aspect of recreating a face for a human and the use of reconstruction in museums and if it ́s a reliable enough to use in forensic police work.