Estimating Living Stature from Skeletal Remains

Abstract

The mathematical method in general , and Troller and Cleser ' s (5,6) formulae in parti cular, is the most used method for estimating living stature, estimation equations are sampk or population specific (13 -16), Boldsen (18) has shown that Troıter and Cleser s equations may be suitable for use in certain European populalions. In cases where one has a nearly complete skeleton, Fully' s anatomical method (8 , 21 ) is preferable to the mathematical method for estimating living stature from skcletal remain s (12, 20, 22). Altempting to provide a precise estimate of living stature from incomplete long bones is fra ıı ght with hazards. Even Sleele' s (24) equations, when they can be used , provide very wide estimates when used in conjunction with Trotter and Cleser s formulae . This reduces considerably the effectiveness of utilizing stature as a sorting tool.

Keywords

• Skeletal remains
• Anatomical methods
• Mathematical methods

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