Forensic facial reconstruction goes far beyond crime investigation. The process has been questioned on several occasions, but that hasn't stopped it from evolving. In fact, it's something fabulous to see in action, and for that, there's nothing better than following Oscar Nilsson, a Swedish archaeologist and sculptor who shares his reconstructions online. His models lived in very remote times, and in some cases, they weren't even "modern" humans...

If you're a frequent visitor to our portal, you probably remember the work of a forensic artist named Nigel on a Crystal Head vodka bottle. The face of a happy man (perhaps the result of intoxication) with a disturbing glass smile went around the Web in record time, but despite the unusual medium, what matters here is skill.

And we'll see more skill, this time thanks to Oscar Nilsson, a Swedish archaeologist and sculptor. As expected, Nilsson doesn't work directly on the skulls he finds in his excavations, but rather uses 3D printed reproductions. Anyone would think that decision subtracts precision from the final result, but forensic facial reconstruction has a very subjective nature, so we must be willing to accept a certain margin of error.

If you want to know more about Oscar Nilsson's work, don't hesitate to visit his official page and his Facebook profile. And if this gallery isn't enough for you, remember that they also reconstructed the head of a Neolithic dog, and "optimized" the human body with a kangaroo pouch and elf ears.

A Gallery of Reconstructed Faces

Forensic Reconstructions: How Did People of the Past Look?
Forensic Reconstructions: How Did People of the Past Look?
He lived at the beginning of the 11th century. His DNA helped reproduce skin, eyes, and hair. He was 45 when he died.
Forensic Reconstructions: How Did People of the Past Look?
Interpretation of who is believed to be Estrid Sigfastsdotter, a wealthy woman who lived near Stockholm. She lived to be 80, something not very common in the 11th century.
Forensic Reconstructions: How Did People of the Past Look?
The "Queen" Huarmey was discovered surrounded by jewelry and fabrics in northwestern Peru, in 2012. She was an expert weaver, and some of her tools were made of gold.
Forensic Reconstructions: How Did People of the Past Look?
She lived 5,500 years ago. She was barely 20 when she died, and they found her with a baby on her chest. It is believed she lost her life in childbirth.
Forensic Reconstructions: How Did People of the Past Look?
A young Swiss man from the 8th century. His skeleton reveals signs of chronic infections and malnutrition, but his teeth were intact...
Forensic Reconstructions: How Did People of the Past Look?
Discovered in 1848, in Gibraltar. She is estimated to have lived 45 or 50 thousand years ago, and she doesn't have much of a "cave woman" about her.
Forensic Reconstructions: How Did People of the Past Look?
Named "Avgi", 18 years old, and possibly a resident of what is now Greece.
Forensic Reconstructions: How Did People of the Past Look?
Born 5,500 years ago, he was between 25 and 40 years old. And he is Christopher Lambert. (?)
Forensic Reconstructions: How Did People of the Past Look?
He was about 45 when he died. He lost many teeth and part of his jaw due to abscesses. He had many wounds, and was physically strong. Pirate? Soldier? Mercenary?
Forensic Reconstructions: How Did People of the Past Look?
He lived in Brittany 2,400 years ago, and was very healthy, except for the diastema in his teeth. He died between 24 and 31.
Forensic Reconstructions: How Did People of the Past Look?
Ruler of Sweden from 1248 to 1266, the year he passed away. They found him in the province of Västergötland.
Forensic Reconstructions: How Did People of the Past Look?
She died between 25 and 35 years old. Her body bore signs of a hard life, with heavy and frequent physical labor. Near her body there were nails. Some believe they are talismans to protect the dead in the afterlife. Others, that they are "anchors" so she doesn't return...
Forensic Reconstructions: How Did People of the Past Look?
3,700 years. He suffered from malnutrition and anemia due to iron deficiency. He didn't make it past 35.
Forensic Reconstructions: How Did People of the Past Look?
He lived between 1470 and 1540, in central Sweden. He suffered from a defect in the bones of his shoulder, associated with excessive use of the longbow, abandoned in the mid-16th century.