MORPHOLOGIC AND OSTEOMETRIC ASSESSMENT OF SEX FROM THE SKULL IN YONCATEPE POPULATION

Abstract

Both forensic and archaeological sciences use metric and morphologic analysis of human skeletal remains for sex estimation of unknown individuals. Sex determination is the vital part of identification in forensic science. When the pelvis is unvaliable the skull is considered the second best indicator of sex. Morphological features and metric difference on sex determination are significant for adults. The purpose of this study was to apply morphologic and metric techniques on sex assessment from cranial dimensions. The study was done on human remains found in 6 tombs of Yoncatepe site (Van/Turkey) excaveted between 1998-1999. Morphological and metric techniques are used to determine sex by the skull. A total of 29 standard cranial measurements were taken from 11 male and 6 female skeletons in the population of Yoncatepe whose sex, age and demographic information were previously unknown. The measurements did not include adolescent skeletons. The measurements were taken in mm with a digital and sliding calipers and steel tape. The mean, minimum, maximum and standard deviation were calculated. Since the skeletal remains of archaeological series are very often poorly preserved and fragmentary, commingled numbers were measured from a number of bones of a number of skeletons. As a result all of the cranial dimensions were larger in males than females. The majority of males have narrow cranial structure. Both males and females have medium frontal width.