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Scientific Working Group for Forensic Anthropology (SWGANTH)

Facial Approximation

Issue Date: 05/25/2011

Revision: 1

Facial Approximation

1.0 Principle, Spirit and Intent

This section presents recommendations for the production and assessment of facial 

approximations using skeletal remains. This endeavor represents a combination of varied 

methods of art and science that continue to evolve. Therefore, recommendations for 

specific techniques are premature and are not addressed. The methods should be 

employed with a spirit of scientific integrity: subjective interpretation should be limited, 

scientifically tested methods should be used, where possible, and method weaknesses and 

limitations should be communicated. Inclusion of information from surviving soft tissues 

should follow the same guiding principles addressed in this document.

2.0 Purpose and Scope

The aims of facial approximation (sometimes referred to as facial reproduction, facial 

depiction, or facial reconstruction) are: to estimate the antemortem facial appearance of 

an individual from unknown skeletal remains; to suggest the identity of persons to whom 

the remains might belong; and to capture public attention regarding the case. 

Practitioners should implement these guidelines to the fullest extent as applicable, 

practical and appropriate. In the absence of specific guidelines or procedures or in the 

case of conflicting procedures, the principle, spirit and intent should be met.

For information regarding craniofacial superimposition, refer to the SWGANTH 

document on Personal Identification.

3.0 General Principles

The production of facial approximations should be a joint effort among experts from the 

fields of anthropology, anatomy, and forensic art. Knowledge of human cranial variation 

and anatomy, as well as artistic ability, is essential for the production of useful facial 

images. Extensive training, education and experience in these fields are essential. 

Although some individuals may possess all of these skills, a team approach usually is 

necessary.

4.0 Best Practices

The production of facial approximations should incorporate information about the 

individual from the recovery scene and as determined from skeletal analysis by a 

qualified forensic anthropologist. 
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Various methodologies (e.g., two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and computer-based) 

and techniques (e.g., sketch, clay) are accepted means of producing facial approximations. 

The scientific and anatomical soundness of these methods should be used to evaluate 

their effectiveness.

Facial approximation images should be carefully evaluated against the skeletal evidence

by all relevant specialists before they are released for public use.

Morphologically accurate copies of skeletal material should be used as the base for

sculpted approximations whenever possible.

5.0 Unacceptable Practices

The following practices are considered unacceptable and should be avoided when 

producing facial approximations:

Use of facial approximations beyond investigative purposes (i.e. as a

means of personal identification).

Undertaking facial approximations without the requisite input from 

anthropological analyses. Likewise, practitioners should not attempt 

facial approximations without requisite skill and training in forensic 

art.

Any practice that unnecessarily jeopardizes the integrity of the 

evidence should be avoided.

6.0 Additional Considerations

Facial approximations are not meant to represent the exact likeness of an individual. 

Given the difficulty in scientifically assessing the uniqueness of human faces, statements 

regarding the power and value of facial approximation methods should be carefully 

presented.

Tissue-depth measurements are not standardized and in most cases are averaged from

many individuals. Additionally, there is error inherent in the collection of these 

measurements. The degree of individual variation combined with measurement error 

may result in considerable differences between actual tissue depths and those depicted in 

facial approximations.