WC3 Forensic

Forensic facial reconstruction work commissioned by archaeologist Nancy Marie White, professor at the University of South Florida. The reconstruction was carried out under the supervision of forensic archaeologist Roberto Maria Miccichè, who also carried out the calculation of tissue depths according to the Manchester method.

The subject is the skull of an African or African-American man from the late 1800s, classified as Wc3. It was part of a collection of remains looted from a prehistoric burial mound in northwestern Florida by local residents. These remains were later recovered by archaeologist Nancy White for study, thanks to a research grant from the National Geographic Society and with the approval of a Native American authority in the region. The remains had been in private possession for nearly 50 years and are now being transferred to the Florida Division of Historical Resources in compliance with state law and the United States Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

Since this skull is more recent than the other remains found at the site, the aim of the facial reconstruction is also to better understand who this man was and, if possible, to identify any descendants who might be able to recognize his face.

Wc3 has been reburied as a sign of respect.