ARROW DAMAGE TO TEXTILES - ANALYSIS OF CLOTHING AND BEDDING IN 2 CASES OF CROSSBOW DEATHS

Two cases of crossbow deaths involving analysis of damage to clothing and bedding are described. The distinctive characteristics of the dama ge examined in these cases indicate that there is merit in examining d amage to clothing as well as wounds to the body in crossbow injuries. Clothing damage analysis may be especially useful if the body is badly decomposed or never recovered. Furthermore, damage to textiles may re flect a clearer geometry of the weapon than that of the associated wou nding.