Year of Award

2011

Document Type

Professional Paper

Degree Type

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Name

Anthropology (Forensic Anthropology Option)

Department or School/College

Department of Anthropology

Committee Chair

Ashley McKeown

Commitee Members

James Burfeind, Randall Skelton

Keywords

biological profile, Forensic anthroplogy, human remains, skeletal analysis

Abstract

The remains labeled University of Montana Forensic Case #12 (UMFC 12) were unearthed on August 30, 1983 during the construction of Cruse Avenue in Helena, Montana near the old School Administration Building on Allen Street. Construction workers, using a bulldozer accidently exposed the decomposing grave (Roesgen, 1983). It has been speculated that these remains might belong to a Chinese laborer dating back to the gold rush (Joyce, 1983). An 1884 map of Last Chance Gulch, in which the remains were discovered, indicate that a Chinese cemetery is in the area but the exact coordinates have never been determined (Joyce, 1983). After an in-depth analysis of the remains present it has been determined that the remains are most consistent with an adult white male individual between the ages of 24 to 40 years old, with an approximate height of 62.8-67.8 inches. There appears to be some pathological abnormality affecting the cranium and the right humerus. No obvious antemortem or perimortem trauma is visible on the remains, but there is extensive postmortem breakage. The noticeable staining and deterioration present on the skeletalized remains would indicate that these remains are not recent. It is possible that they could be historic. Additional data, such as associated artifacts or association with datable natural or cultural features, would be needed to suggest a narrower time since death range. iii

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© Copyright 2011 Lauren Leanne Richardson