A woman from the Iron Age has been brought back to life through a reconstruction of her facial features, 2,000 years after her remains were uncovered in a landslide.
Archaeology student Amber Manning has used modern technology to recreate 'Kimmeridge Woman'.
It is believed that she belonged to the Durotriges tribe, which inhabited the area that is now known as Dorset, and was laid to rest at Kimmeridge on the Isle of Purbeck.
The almost complete skeleton was dislodged from the cliff face due to erosion and is now being preserved by Bournemouth University.
Studies verified the bones to be from the 1st century AD.
Ms Manning, a master's student of bioarchaeology at Bournemouth University, has now unveiled what the woman would have appeared like by recreating her face exactly as part of her degree coursework.
She employed radiocarbon dating, photogrammetry techniques, 3D printing, and facial reconstruction methods to create the head of 'Kimmeridge Woman'.
It is estimated that she was in her early twenties or thirties at the time of her death, was 5 feet 2 inches tall, and had given birth recently.
Small bones discovered alongside the woman suggest a baby who had survived birth but died within its first six months, although the connection between the baby and the woman remains uncertain.
The woman's wisdom teeth never grew in and although her teeth appear worn, there is no indication of tooth decay.
There was also signs of wear and tear on her spine, indicating the early stages of arthritis and problems related to a herniated disc, suggesting a life of hard physical labor.
Ms. Manning stated: 'I was particularly interested in focusing on ordinary women for my master's project, and this was a fantastic chance.'
The remains of her skeleton were remarkably well-preserved.
When I reconstruct a scene, I typically imagine immersing myself in their environment.
A three-dimensional virtual model of her skull was created for the reconstruction using photogrammetry, a technique that involves calculating the shape of an object by analyzing a large number of photographs taken from various angles.
It was then created using 3D printing technology.
'I then considered her age, gender, weight, and ethnicity, as these factors are crucial in determining tissue thickness. Therefore, in this instance, a 20- to 30-year-old female, exhibiting signs of undernourishment during a particular stage of her life.'
I was extremely proud of the grade I received and the way my research project turned out.
Ms Manning collaborated with university supervisor Dr Martin Smith on the project. He stated: "We are thrilled to showcase and share some of our discoveries."
The past is a shared heritage, and everyone should have a chance to connect with the lives we can reconstruct at times.
I firmly believe that the Kimmeridge Woman would be able to recognize the landscape we inhabit today - you could take her to Kimmeridge or other parts of Dorset right now, and she would undoubtedly recognize her surroundings and the world we currently live in.
Recent studies conducted by Bournemouth University have yielded a range of significant and intriguing discoveries that are contributing to a more comprehensive and captivating understanding of life during this era.
Kimmeridge Bay is a notable site for geologists, due to its rich collection of fossils from the Jurassic era.
During the Roman era, it served as a major industrial hub for salt production and shale extraction.
This location is also designated as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI), protecting its unique scientific value.
In 2023, the year she graduated, Amber received the award for the top research project at Bournemouth University.
The 3D model of the head will be exhibited at the Wareham Town Museum from April 5.
Read more