Jerry Payne film of decomposition of baby pigs

Object Details

Custodial History: Previously titled Jerry Payne's Decomposition of Baby Pigs.

Processing Information: Titles are supplied by the archivist for untitled films.

Scope and Contents: Footage shot by Jerry Payne for the first detailed study of arthropod succesion in animal decomposition and the first to use a pig as the model. Because a pig closely approximates the human body, the data generated could be used in modern forensic science to approximate the time of human deaths. The time lapse footage was taken over 4 days and demonstrates the sequence of tissue destruction and the role of insects in the ultimate dismemberment of the carcass and soil movement. Pink and purple beads were added to show the intense activities of the insects in moving the carcass and soil. A hardbound copy of Payne's graduate thesis related to the film is also available. Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or Anthropology Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.

Restrictions: The collection is open for research. Please contact the archives for information on availability of access copies of audiovisual recordings. Original audiovisual material in the Human Studies Film Archives may not be played.