Mandibular Sexual Dimorphism in Late Holocene Hunter-Gatherers: Comparing the Diagnostic Efficiency between Two Methodological Approaches

Authors

  • Lila Bernardi Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC) / Conicet
  • Mario A. Arrieta Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC) / Conicet
  • María A. Bordach Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC) / Conicet
  • Osvaldo J. Mendonça Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC) / Conicet

Keywords:

bioarchaeology, human osteology, sex determination, mandibular techniques

Abstract

Sex determination is the basis of systematic studies on human skeletal remains. In this paper, we explore the relative diagnostic efficiency of two methods employed to determine sex in mandibles from Médano Petroquímica site, Argentina. Techniques used were the angle of posterior inflexion of mandibular ramus and the traditional method using multiple morphological traits of the mandible. The sex was separatedly assessed by two trained technicians who applied three times each
one. Results show a greater consistency and a relative efficiency in the traditional procedure compared to the first one. We conclude that the Loth and Henneberg technique (1996) cannot reliably replace the traditional technique, at least not in the case of secondary burials considered.

https://doi.org/10.22380/2539472X11

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Published

2016-06-27

How to Cite

Bernardi, L., Arrieta, M. A., Bordach, M. A., & Mendonça, O. J. (2016). Mandibular Sexual Dimorphism in Late Holocene Hunter-Gatherers: Comparing the Diagnostic Efficiency between Two Methodological Approaches. Revista Colombiana De Antropología, 52(1), 271–288. Retrieved from http://biblioteca-canje-intra.icanh.gov.co/index.php/rca/article/view/163