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An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Forensic Anthropology

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The National Institute of Justice, through the NamUs program, provides funding and support to provide the following analyses of skeletal remains to investigating agencies:

  • Distinguishing historical/archaeological remains from modern remains.
  • Development of biological profiles — such as sex, ancestry, stature, and age — to aid searches for possible matches.
  • Identifications of skeletal remains based on comparisons of medical and radiographic information.
  • Trauma analysis to contribute to cause and manner of death determinations.

For questions on our Anthropology services, please submit a request on the Contact Us page by selecting "Biometric Support (DNA/Dentals/Prints/Anthro/Analytical)" in the "Nature of Inquiry" field.

female scientist examining a skull
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Date Created: March 26, 2021