Michael Socrates Kafousias
Forensic Art & Facial Imaging MSc
Facial approximation of a Viking from the Dorset mass grave excavation
About
![michael_socrates_kafousias-_profile](http://cdn-acquia.dundee.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/content_summary_free_image/public/2023-07/michael_socrates_kafousias-_profile.jpg?itok=avJ-p6VV)
The main aim of this MSc project was to create a facial approximation of a young Scandinavian Viking male from a mass execution burial site from Ridgway Hill in Dorset, England. The facial approximation was made using traditional sculpting, moulding, and casting techniques to create a hyper realistic artwork that aims to replicate the feeling of observing a real human and not just an object. Additionally, a variety of artworks both three dimensional and two dimensional were created to depict the armour, weaponry, and clothing of the Vikings in this period. The goal of the entire project is to create a visual educational tool that can be used by the public to learn more about the history and archaeology of the Viking Age in Britain, as well as to help people observe the faces of our ancient past.
Craniofacial approximation of a Viking from the Dorset mass execution burial.
![The facial approximation process of skull 3761 involved using the manual method of facial approximation with traditional sculpting media techniques. First, the skull was 3D scanned using photogrammetry to create a 3D printed replica. Then, the approximation was done in monster clay and molded to create a wax figure.](http://cdn-acquia.dundee.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/student_work_desktop_1440w/public/2023-07/michael_socrates_kafousias-image-3.jpg?itok=ZyoWEf8q)
Wax sculpture 50x26x26cm
Viking Warrior
![Depiction of the Viking clothing in a battle. Man wearing Viking clothing and a sword. He is standing with his right knee slightly bent.](http://cdn-acquia.dundee.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/student_work_desktop_1440w/public/2023-07/michael_socrates_kafousias-image-2.jpg?itok=ltkZPQUC)
Wax sculpture, 30x25x25cm
Concept Art for the Viking project
![This artwork was made as a concept art to create a general image of the hairstyle and beard of the Viking.](http://cdn-acquia.dundee.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/student_work_desktop_1440w/public/2023-07/michael_socrates_kafousias-image-1.jpg?itok=oTV3u62I)
Charcoal on A2 Fabriano paper
The Viking from Dorset
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