Exploring the use of actualistic forensic taphonomy in the study of (forensic) archaeological human burials An actualistic experimental research programme at the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State University (FACTS), San Marcos, Texas

This chapter reviews some of the experimental forensic taphonomic research to improve the interpretation of human remains in both traditional and forensic archaeological contexts, and present the findings of an innovative on-going research programme undertaking actualistic taphonomic experiments to improve and develop archaeothanatological methods. The research programme is the first systematic study of the joint disarticulation sequence and spatial patterning of human remains allowed to decompose under controlled conditions. The ultimateaim of the programme is to lay the foundations for an actualistic framework to further develop archaeothanatology for application in both traditional archaeological as well as medico-legal contexts. Furthermore, this chapter presents the method and research protocol of 3D documentation and analysis that was developed specifically to study the spatial relation and movement ofhuman remains throughout the process of soft tissue decomposition and skeletal disarticulation. Finally, the important avenues for future development in this area of research are outlined.