Background 

Forensic identification criteria for sex, race, stature, and age require documented skeleton. Prior to the mid 1980s, forensic identification criteria were based almost exclusively on the large anatomical collections (Terry and Hamann-Todd) containing individuals with mainly 19th century birth dates. It cannot be assumed that identification criteria obtained from 19th century skeletons apply to modern Americans. Since modern documented skeletal collections are few in number, the Forensic Anthropology Data Bank was conceived as a way to obtain data from modern individuals. Forensic Anthropologists routinely examine the skeletons of modern people, usually one at a time, and the remains are returned to families upon identification. Recovering standard data from these forensic cases while they are available could answer at least some of our needs regarding identification criteria from modern skeletons. 

The Forensic Anthropology Data Bank (FDB) was started in 1986 with a grant from the National Institute of Justice. The FDB contains extensive demographic information for many cases, including place of birth, medical history, occupation, stature, and weight. The skeletal information for cases includes cranial and postcranial metrics, suture closure information, various aging criteria scores, non-metric cranial information, perimortem trauma, congenital traits, and dental observations. In addition, we are currently collecting 3D coordinate data for cases that come throughout the University of Tennessee and other contributing institutions. 

At this writing, the FDB has over 2100 cases. Almost 1600 are from cases with definite sex and race. Of these, 1200 are positively identified individuals. Many of these have been measured and sent in by various forensic anthropologists around the country, and we have traveled to various institutions that house sizable collections of modern skeletons and measured them ourselves. The 400 forensic cases analyzed by J. Lawrence Angel over a 25 year time period make up the largest single component of the database. Those who have contributed to the FDB have made a major contribution to the understanding of modern skeletal variation. Over 100 forensic anthropologists have contributed one or more cases. For the record, Doug Ubelaker (Smithsonian Institution) has contributed more cases than anyone not connected with the University of Tennessee, and Ted Rathbun is a close second. 

What we have learned from the Forensic Anthropology Data Bank is that the American population has changed dramatically. Skeletal change presumably results from the unparalleled environmental changes that have occurred over the past 100 years. They include better nutrition and health and fewer mechanical demands on the skeleton. In addition the composition of the American population continues to change with immigration and different rates of natural increase. The Forensic Anthropology Data Bank provides the opportunity to monitor these secular changes as they occur. Contributing to the FDB is as important now as it ever was. Though comprised of data from the deceased, the FDB is a living entity and needs new cases to grow. If you get positive identifications of skeletal material, please fill out the forensic data forms and send them to us. 

We would like to hear from you about your recent forensic cases. If you have data, please complete the forensic data forms and Email, FAX, or mail them to Richard Jantz at:

Forensic Anthropology Center
The University of Tennessee
250 South Stadium Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996 0720 

Email: rjantz@utk.edu
(423) 974-2686 FAX 

Data requests or any additional inquiries about the Forensic Data Bank are welcome and should be mailed or e-mailed
to the address listed above.