A world leading anthropologist will bring Aberdeen’s recently-discovered medieval skeletons back to life for one of the first exhibits at the city’s revamped art gallery.
Professor Sue Black has been drafted in to examine the remains of nearly 100 bodies discovered on the art gallery site earlier this year.
The remains are currently in London being investigated, and it is understood Prof Black will create either a clay or bronze cast of a head for permanent display.
The renowned forensic anthropologist headed up the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification team who used 3D mappings of his skull for the recreation after the remains were found in Leicester.
She will use those skills to recreate a similar cast of one of the Aberdeen skulls, which will be displayed alongside the skeletons in a new modern exhibition spaces within the gallery.
As part of her brief, Prof Black – who has travelled to Kosovo and Iraq to identify the bodies of those killed in massacres, war and natural disasters – will investigate textiles, ceramics and food remains found buried alongside the skeletons to get an idea of the diet and family history of those buried.
Last night, the Aberdeen University graduate said she was “excited” for the new challenge.
Prof Black, who lives in Stonehaven and teaches in Dundee, said: “This is a very exciting project.
“This is the epitome of archaeological gold and should provide the citizens of the city a unique window into the past.”
The remains were found in a “mediaeval cemetery” below the art gallery in February during excavations for the £30million refurbishment.
Archaeologists discovered the assorted remains of at least 92 bodies dating back to the 13th century, along with other artefacts and historical treasures.
They believe the discovery to be some of the clearest evidence yet that the Schoolhill site was the location of Blackfriars Abbey, founded at some point between 1230 and 1249.
The fascinating find came just months after 30 skeletons from the same era were discovered by workers at the nearby Robert Gordon’s College.
Last night, council leader Jenny Laing hailed Prof Black’s participation and said it “elevated the project to a new level”.
She said: “These people pre-date Robert the Bruce and were alive at the time Henry III was on the English throne.
“The analysis that is being done will provide a unique insight into the people that lived right here in Aberdeen centuries ago.
“It is all the more special to think that they are our forefathers.
“As well as bringing one of the greatest regional galleries on earth, now we will have one of the finest history exhibitions in the country.
“Sue Black is the world’s leading forensic anthropologist and to have her engaged in this project elevates our work to a new level.”
The council is still fundraising for the remaining £10million of the development and have raised around £600,000 so far.
CORRECTION: In a report on May 19, Professor Sue Black was incorrectly credited with recreating the face of Richard III. In fact, the work was carried out by Professor Caroline Wilkinson. We apologise for the error and any confusion caused.
