Forensic taphonomy and skeletal integrity: insights from the 21 st century identified skeletal collection, Coimbra, Portugal

Abstract

Taphonomic processes pose significant challenges to forensic anthropology while also playing a key role in reconstructing post-mortem contexts and identifying biological and cultural modifications. This study assesses skeletal preservation in 100 individuals (50 males and 50 females), aged between 28 and 101 years at the time of death, from the 21st Century Identified Skeletal Collection (CEI/XXI), one of the most recent osteological collections assembled in Portugal and curated by the University of Coimbra. An adapted version of Garcia’s method (2005/2006) was used to calculate the Anatomical Preservation Index (API). In addition to quantitative data, qualitative taphonomic alterations – such as erosion, flaking, fissures, and colour changes – were recorded. The mean API score was 82.10%, indicating a preservation state between “Very good” and “Excellent”. No significant differences in preservation were found between sexes or age groups. All individuals exhibited at least one type of taphonomic alteration. Erosion and colour changes were the most frequent, with patterns varying according to sex and age. These findings contribute to the development of forensic taphonomy by reinforcing the value of integrated analysis and supporting curatorial and analytical practices in contemporary osteological collections.