ИСТИНА

Mikhail Gerasimov was the first who invented scientifically substantiated method of individual facial reconstruction based on subjacent cranial structures analysis. At present day the Laboratory of Anthropological Reconstruction of Russian Academy of Science is proceeding with it's research concerning the problem of correspondence between facial structures and cranial elements. A large database containing information on facial soft tissues thickness of different ethnic groups (Mongoloids and Caucasians) has been created. The craniofacial correspondence program was also created, being an algorithm of transition from cranium dimensions and characteristics determined to corresponding facial dimensions and characteristics. A system of equations of regression has been produced to calculate such characteristics as ear height and physiognomic facial height, nose and mouth width. Equations of regression are also used to estimate such characteristics as nasal labial fold width and eye fissure dimensions. High correlation coefficient rates between mouth and dental arch width, orbit and eye fissure dimensions, nose width and juga alveolaria revealed both for Mongoloids and Caucasians. Anthropological reconstruction today is successfully used in many fields of research, particularly in historical person identification. For example, craniofacial reconstruction was used to identify the skull found in Ermolov’s crypt. Alexey Ermolov was a Russian military leader, who took part in many great wars. According to historical data, the crypt contained the remains of A. P. Ermolov, his father and his son. Unfortunately, only one skull was found here. Another case was identification of the skull found in Novoierusalimsky monastery, which presumably belongs to Arkadiy Suvorov, the son of the famous Alexander Suvorov. Craniofacial reconstruction method is used to visualize anthropological data. A number of sculptural portraits of ancient city of Palmira inhabitants was produced and matched to sepulchral images. The Laboratory also completed a number of early hominids reconstruction, for example, Australopithecus afarensis, Homo habilis OH24, Homo rudolfensis 1470. The above-mentioned method found it's use in forensic science (undefined remains identification). Special procedures have been worked out to reconstruct habitus due to mummify material. The method makes it possible not only to reproduce main facial features, but to make a precise facial reconstruction, showing faces' individual characteristics. Keywords: facial reconstruction, craniofacial identification, forensic science.