engleski

Virtual autopsy and forensic anthropology of mummified catholic saints in Croatia

By noninvasive and nondestructive virtual autopsy techniques of forensic analysis we studied the anatomical and pathological changes of four mummified bodies from the Church of St. Blać (St. Blaise) in Vodnjan (Istria, Croatia). We analyzed the images obtained by multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) of bodies using Osirix software, which allows the three-dimensional examination of the interior of the body. As the bodies of St. Nicolosa Bursa and St. Ivan Olini were mummified, all soft tissue data were negative due to lack of water inside them. The remains of internal organs, muscles and ligaments were preserved. The body of St. Ivan Olini revealed the spina bifida occulta on the sacrum as well as a clubfoot. Images of the remains of St. Leon Bembo and St. Paul did not show any soft tissue. The remains of their bones were attached to metal and wooden handles, covered with fabric and filled with the material that is assumed to be cotton. Forensic teams from University Department for Forensic Sciences and Forensic Science Centre “Ivan VuËetiĘ” performed anthropological analysis and photographically documented 670 relics (bones) for their catalogue and individualization. We will present the most important findings of MSCT imaging and anthropological analysis of the relics as well as the significance of their catalogue, preservation and presentation.

virtual autopsy ; forensic anthropology of mummified catholic saints ; Croatia

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