Ann Plast Reconstr Surg | Volume 5, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access

Possible Signs of Life in the Shroud of Turin: The Perspective of a Facial Plastic Surgeon

Bernardo Hontanilla*

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Anatomy, University of Navarra, Spain

*Correspondance to: Bernardo Hontanilla 

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Abstract

Background: It has been assumed that the person represented on the Shroud of Turin is dead and the image corresponds to a person dead from crucifixion.
Methods: We examined the faces of the cadavers (n=26) that were received as a donation, with special attention to their nasolabial folds and the positioning of the lower lip. All cadavers were examined upon arrival and between 24 h to 30 h postmortem. Then, we established a comparison with their premortem appearance as observed in both the ID and their photograph showed by the family. Lapse of time between the photograph and death is less than one year. Three independent
observers examined the presence or absence of nasolabial folds and the location of upper and lower lips.
Results: The presence of face life signs could show that the image could correspond to a living person who is initiating a getting-up movement.
Conclusion: The figure in the Shroud of Turin might correspond to a living man starting a getting up gesture. Thus, a remarkable symmetry is found between the data obtained from the image and the events described in the Gospels, regarding the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Keywords:

Shroud of Turin; Nasolabial folds; Signs of life

Citation:

Hontanilla B. Possible Signs of Life in the Shroud of Turin: The Perspective of a Facial Plastic Surgeon. Ann Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021;5(1):1074..

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