Skull 68(12) from Medieval Orkneys

Overview:
Developed in partnership with the Orkney Archaeological Society, this project explores the life of a young man who lived in medieval Orkney (c. AD 1152–1384). Integrating archaeological research, osteological analysis, ancient DNA, isotopic evidence, and high-resolution 3D scanning, the project formed part of a wider public engagement initiative designed to reconnect local communities with the people behind Orkney's Viking-influenced past.

Creative & Scientific Contribution:
Working collaboratively with archaeologists, researchers, and heritage partners, I undertook craniofacial analysis and produced an evidence-based facial approximation informed by skeletal morphology, genetic evidence, and archaeological context. Alongside the visual reconstruction, I contributed to exhibition interpretation, visual storytelling, and public-facing narratives that translated complex scientific evidence into an accessible account of ancestry, identity, health, and everyday life in medieval Orkney. The reconstruction was developed to communicate not only physical appearance but also the broader cultural and environmental context in which this individual lived.

Public Impact:
Presented as part of the Newark Project exhibition at St Ninian's Kirk, Deerness, the reconstruction supported community engagement activities exploring Orkney's medieval heritage and Viking influence. By combining scientific evidence with visual storytelling, the project encouraged visitors to engage with archaeological research through the experiences of a recognisable individual, demonstrating how evidence-based facial approximation can strengthen public understanding of the past while fostering meaningful connections between communities and their heritage.