Cannibalism—overview and medicolegal issues

Abstract

Cannibalism, the consumption of another by an individual of the same species, is a widespread practice amongst many animal groups. Human cannibalism or anthropophagy, however, is less common but has been found in many diverse groups ranging from hominids to Crusaders and soldiers in World War II. Although the existence of human cannibalism has been vigorously debated in recent times, it seems clear that well-described cases have occurred. The motivation for consuming human tissues may be (1) nutritional, (2) ritual and (3) pathological. A case of alleged cannibalism involving one of the victims of the so-called Snowtown serial killings in South Australia, Australia, is reported with an analysis of the history and features of cannibalism. Forensic problems may occur in accurately identifying remains that have been cannibalized; however, if ritualistic, serial and/or sadistic homicides are encountered, cannibalism should be considered, particularly if body parts are missing.

Wendigo Psychosis and Psychiatric Perspectives of Cannibalism: A Complex Interplay of Culture, Psychology, and History

“…Although cannibalism is rare, primarily due to its association with the transmission of pathogens in diseases such as kuru, certain genetic polymorphisms within human populations have been proposed as evolutionary protective mechanisms, hinting at a more common prevalence of cannibalism in earlier stages of human evolution [ 1 ]. According to Mead et al, those survivors of the Kuru epidemic who were predominantly heterozygous for the human prion protein gene (PRNP) 129 were relatively resistant to PRNP 129 homozygotes.…”

“…One of the major and fundamental questions in the psychology of cannibalism is the motivation behind such an act. If we view the act of cannibalism in regard to motivation, there are three major categories that may be elucidated: nutritional, ritual, and pathological [ 1 ]. Nutritional cannibalism is linked to the use of human flesh strictly for its caloric content and has been seen more readily in times of acute starvation, such as in times of extreme situations such as famine or when stranded in life-threatening conditions, in which survival is paramount [ 1 ].…”

“…If we view the act of cannibalism in regard to motivation, there are three major categories that may be elucidated: nutritional, ritual, and pathological [ 1 ]. Nutritional cannibalism is linked to the use of human flesh strictly for its caloric content and has been seen more readily in times of acute starvation, such as in times of extreme situations such as famine or when stranded in life-threatening conditions, in which survival is paramount [ 1 ]. Ritual cannibalism is linked to cultural practices that require or contain cannibalism as part of the practice, such as part of religious or funerary rites.…”

“…Ritual cannibalism is linked to cultural practices that require or contain cannibalism as part of the practice, such as part of religious or funerary rites. In the case of ritual cannibalism, the act of consuming human flesh is intertwined with cultural beliefs and norms, challenging the idea of what is considered culturally acceptable by certain cultures [ 1 ]. Pathological cannibalism is rooted in some form of psychopathology that is at the core of the person’s motivation, such as someone who is acutely psychotic or committing the act of cannibalism to act out paraphilia [ 1 ].…”

“…In the case of ritual cannibalism, the act of consuming human flesh is intertwined with cultural beliefs and norms, challenging the idea of what is considered culturally acceptable by certain cultures [ 1 ]. Pathological cannibalism is rooted in some form of psychopathology that is at the core of the person’s motivation, such as someone who is acutely psychotic or committing the act of cannibalism to act out paraphilia [ 1 ]. It is in the realm of pathological cannibalism that most criminal acts of cannibalism are discussed.…”