Preliminary analysis of dermatoglyphs in mummies: a valid recording method

Abstract

The aim of this work is to develop a methodology that will allow the identification and study of dermatoglyphics in ancient archaeological finds of biological nature. Dermatogliphs are one of the many instruments used as a safe method of personal identification in forensics and in the study of human populations. Because living human groups are the direct descendants of ancient peoples, anthropological studies of mummified remains are of great importance in the reconstruction of the cultural and biological identity of the people of the past. Two feet and a hand of pre-Dynastic mummified remains belonging to the Egyptian Marro collection of the Museum of Anthropology and Etnography of Turin have been evaluated. In order to recuperate papillary signs, the most recent techniques used in forensics have been used. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses have been performed. This work brings together anthropological and forensic knowledge, and opens the opportunity for a new field of studies in which it is possible to apply recent findings in dactiloscopy to ancient mummies.