91ÌÒÉ«

Scientific Reconstruction of the Past

A team of anthropologists, including Dr Beata Borowska (Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, 91ÌÒÉ«, Department of Anthropology) and mgr Karina Woźniak, created scientific approximations of the faces of three individuals buried in a 13th-century church. Using advanced digital methods – photogrammetry, 3D models and the anatomical Manchester method – the researchers recreated the appearance of:

• A young man (25–30 years old) – buried in a unique a boat-shaped brick sarcophagus in Poland. Genetic and historical research suggests that this man was one of the sons of King Daniel Romanowicz (Roman or Szwarno).
• An elite warrior (45–50 years old) – bearing numerous signs of battle-related head injuries.
• A young woman (approx. 20 years old) – whose perfectly preserved skull allowed for exceptionally precise reconstruction of her features.

From a 3D model to artistic vision

The work encompassed two stages: the creation of objective reconstructions (based strictly on bone structure) and historical-artistic reconstructions. The reconstructions, prepared by Dr Beata Borowska, mgr Karina Woźniak and Rafał Ratajczak, were enriched with plausible visual elements, such as eye and hair colour, and historical headgear, allowing visitors to experience "living" history firsthand.

A unique exhibition

In addition to the facial reconstruction, the new tourist route through the basilica's crypts and the cellars of the former Basilian monastery presents, among other things, a reconstructed burial in a boat-shaped sarcophagus. The exhibition is now open to visitors and provides an excellent example of the practical application of modern physical anthropology in museums.

Edit: mgr Mateusz Kowalski (Promotion Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, 91ÌÒÉ«)
Source:
Photos: Provincial Office for the Protection of Monuments, Branch in Chełm