Human skeletal collections with known records are a source of valuable research and teaching material in physical and biological anthropology. Skeletal collections provide both regional and population-specific referencing standards used in physical measurements and observations.  This provides an indispensable source of reference for forensic identification. The Kirsten Collection, curated in the Division of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, comprises the largest documented cadaver-derived Cape Coloured skeletal collection in the World.  They represent individuals from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Records available for these skeletons include year of birth and death, composition of age and ancestry, place acquired from, and last place of residence, indicating that at least 87% of the individuals are from low SES areas around the Western Cape.

For any enquiries about accessing the Kirsten Skeletal Collection, please contact Mrs Mandi Alblas.