Drawing the Dead – Illustration

Archaeological Illustration
In the world of Archaeology, there is suddenly an “emphasis on digital recording” (Morgan et al. 2018). Old methods of recording, like illustration, are overlooked in favour of newer methods. But illustration is a timeless method of recording that archaeologists use to see, understand, and interpret (Morgan et al. 2018) an artefact in a way that photography cannot. It is an intimate investigation, which can “present compelling … arguments” (Morgan et al. 2018). However, we must consider whether it is ethical to illustrate artefacts such as human bones. To investigate this, I conducted a scale drawing of an animal bone, demonstrating the long and complex process. I then sketched a human skull, to investigate whether this is a more ethical practice, whilst still providing information that can be communicated to audiences.

Scale Drawing

Selection – Ensure that the bone is not too fragile to be handled. The bone I selected was a sheep radius from the roman site, Malton.

Figure 1: Tools for a scale drawing and bones, image by author.

Measurements – Measurements are taken of the length and width of the bone to form guidelines. This is done using a calliper, which requires the bone to be handled, and so it is imperative to be careful. These measurements are dotted on the paper.

Figure 2: Author drawing the bone, image by Grace Williams 2018.

Outline – Using the measurements taken, an outline is created. I drew the bone from the front and back to capture all the important details.

Figure 3: Adding details and scale, image by author.

Details – Investigate the bone carefully and add details. For example, cut or bite marks and damages. Shading the bone can also add depth and demonstrate how it looks to the naked eye.

Figure 4: The final drawing, image by author.

Sketching

I chose to sketch the Towton Soldier, a man who was killed 557 years ago in the Battle of Towton. We do not know whether he fought for the House of York or Lancaster, as he was buried in a mass grave, along with some of the other 28’000 men who died.

Figure 5: The Towton Solider in the Yorkshire Museum, image by author.

Before I begin, I take a reference photograph. I cannot properly work in the museum where the skeleton is housed, so I decide to sketch quickly, and add details later. I focus on the skull, as this is an interesting part of the skeleton that shows both pre and peri-mortem injuries.

Figure 6: The reference image used for the sketch, image by author.

My sketch was created using a pencil and a blank sheet of paper, and further edited with a black pen. I began in the museum, looking directly at the subject, before using reference pictures. The image is not as technical as an archaeological illustration, as it lacks a scale or context, however it does have the details that I wished to convey. This is important, as archaeological drawings are mainly used to “convey to the observer the features of the original which the illustrator wishes to present” (Piggott 1965).

Figure 7: The tools used to create the sketch and the image in progress, image by author

My finished sketch shows the important aspects; the missing upper teeth, the fracture in the cranium, the damaged mandible and the small holes in the skull just underneath the bottom teeth. The sketch is simple and easy to ‘read’, even for someone who does not have any prior knowledge of archaeology.

Figure 8: The completed sketch, image by author.

It is ethical to sketch the human bones, as they were undisturbed, and this still gave an image that portrays information to this audience, without being too technical or invasive. However, from an archaeological perspective, the sketch may be better used for engagement rather than in archaeological material, whereas the scale drawing could be used in reports and other technical documents, as it is much more accurate.

Word Count – 545

Bibliography

Adkins, L and Adkins, R (1989) Archaeological illustration. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge

Battlefields of Britain (nd) Battle of Towton (1461). Accessed 09/11/2018. Available at: http://www.battlefieldsofbritain.co.uk/battle_towton_1461.html

Morgan, C and Wright, H (2018) Pencils and pixels: drawing and digital media in archaeological field recording. Journal of Field Archaeology, 43 (2), 136-151

Piggott, S (1965) Archaeological draughtsmanship: principles and practice part I: principles and retrospect. Antiquity, 39, 165-176

White, K (2018) Roman Britain: DERVENTIO BRIGANTVM. Accessed 09/11/2018. Available at: http://roman-britain.co.uk/places/derventio_brigantum.htm

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