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Scientists bring centuries-old Hungarian faces back to life
In a unique initiative in Hungary, Luca Kis, a researcher at the University of Szeged’s (SZTE) Department of Anthropology, is creating digital facial reconstructions based on anthropological remains of people who died centuries ago, according to the university’s public relations office.
According to the statement, Luca Kis first encountered facial reconstruction while studying biology and art. Previously, Hungarian experts relied solely on sculptural reconstruction, making Kis the first researcher in Hungary to undertake digital facial reconstructions. She completed her doctoral studies at the SZTE Department of Anthropology and began learning online digital facial reconstruction alongside her research.
The digital process closely resembles traditional sculpting, with each step performed manually. The key difference lies in the use of digital materials and tools, offering a major advantage: the reconstruction process can be more accurately monitored and adjusted. Each layer can be made transparently visible, allowing for greater precision.
Currently, Luca Kis is reconstructing the faces of individuals buried in the mass graves of the Battle of Mohács. Another project involves a collaboration between archaeologist Gabriella Lezsák and the Ópusztaszer National Heritage Park, focusing on the reconstruction of a man’s face found in a richly adorned grave in the Avar-era cemetery of Kunszállás-Fülöpjakab. The scientific publication of this research is currently in progress. One of the main goals of these reconstructions is to help museum visitors emotionally connect with the individuals and deepen their understanding of the historical narratives presented in the exhibitions.
The Advantages of Digital Facial Reconstruction
“Many people believe that digital reconstruction is just a matter of pushing a button and letting the computer do the work. In reality, the process is very similar to sculpting, as every step is carried out manually. The major difference is that I use digital materials and tools, which provides the advantage of better control and the ability to fine-tune each layer,” explained Luca Kis regarding the benefits of digital facial reconstruction. “Another advantage is the versatility in presentation. In a museum setting, a reconstructed person can be displayed with various historical outfits or skin tones. For instance, digital technology allows us to create multiple hairstyles, giving visitors the option to decide how they want to visualize the face in the exhibition,” she added.
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