Archaeologists Successfully Reconstruct Faces of Early Christian Figures from Scotland, Based on Seashell Remains

Article Title: Unveiling the Faces of Medieval Whithorn: A Glimpse into the Past

In the small town of Whithorn, Scotland, the Whithorn Trust recently unveiled captivating facial reconstructions of three individuals buried in the town's ancient crypt. These reconstructions, part of the Cold Case Whithorn research venture, offer a unique window into the lives of people living in medieval Britain.

The story begins in 1957, when local workers accidentally discovered three stone coffins during maintenance work in a derelict medieval crypt. The archaeological exploration that followed uncovered the graves of clergy members and wealthy donors who supported a medieval priory at Whithorn.

One of the buried individuals was a woman of striking beauty, approximately in her twenties. She was found on a bed of seashells near the priory's high altar, indicating a high status in medieval society. Her life, however, was likely short, and her identity remains a mystery. The woman's reconstructed face is symmetrical and considered beautiful.

Another individual was a cleric with an asymmetrical skull and a cleft palate. Despite these physical challenges, he rose within the church and was buried in Whithorn's crypt, suggesting a life of service respected enough for burial alongside the powerful.

The third individual was identified as Bishop Walter, who presided over Whithorn in the 13th century. He was buried prominently, and his grave contained a gold ring encrusted with rubies and emeralds, indicating wealth.

Shirley Curtis-Summers, a bioarchaeologist at the University of Bradford, led the team that examined these archaeological skeletons. Using stable isotope analysis, she identified indicators of disease and trauma and conducted detailed investigations into the individuals' past diets. This analysis can provide both population level and individual data, revealing details of the lives of individual people and informing on broader societal trends.

The facial reconstructions were created using detailed 3D scans of each of the skulls, overseen by anthropologist and forensic artist Christopher Rynn. These reconstructions connect us to a rich heritage, providing a captivating glimpse into the lives of medieval people.

Whithorn, originally named Candida Casa or "the White House" due to its gleaming stone walls, was a significant spiritual hub in the British Isles during the medieval period. The town's archaeological site continues to yield valuable insights into our past, offering a fascinating journey through time.

This article was originally published in November 2023 and has been reedited to include additional information. The reconstructions of the faces of the three buried individuals are now on display at the Whithorn Trust, inviting visitors to connect with the past in a profound and personal way.