What is the primary purpose of using plaster casting in archaeological practices, specifically regarding human remains?

The primary purpose of using plaster casting in archaeological practices, particularly concerning human remains, revolves around the technique's ability to fill in the voids left by decayed organic material. This method was famously employed in the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum, where volcanic ash and pyroclastic flows preserved the outlines of the bodies. When the organic matter of those bodies decomposed, it left hollow spaces in the volcanic material. By pouring plaster into these voids, archaeologists were able to create an accurate three-dimensional representation of the individuals who had perished, capturing details of their posture, clothing, and even facial expressions at the time of the eruption.

This process not only provides invaluable insights into the lives of those who lived in ancient times but also helps to contextually preserve the historical narrative associated with these sites. While a visual representation of the deceased and preserving outer layers might relate to the overall aims of archaeological practices, the essential focus of plaster casting specifically is on documenting and reconstructing these voids left behind by decayed organic matter, allowing a fuller understanding of the events that unfolded during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.