Non-metric Traits and the Influence of Cranial Modifications: A Case Study from the South-Central Andes

Summary

Non-metric cranial traits and craniometric scoring are often used as a quicker and cheaper alternative to genetic markers when analyzing biological distance within and between populations. However, in populations with intentional artificial cranial modifications, the only option is scoring non-metric cranial traits since the craniometrics are too heavily affected by the modifications. Studies have shown that although non-metrics are the best alternative, some traits cause a bias that can differ based on the broad modification categories of annular and tabular. This study aims to add to these data by assessing the influence of the sub-categories of oblique and erect within the annular modification category and the degree of modification. The sample population consists of individuals from the Chanka cultural group located in the South-Central Andes of Peru during the Late Intermediate Period (AD 1000-1400). A total of 33 non-metric traits were scored on 102 individuals, 88 of which have modified crania. Analyzing the influence of sub-categories and degree of modification can point to a finer scale analysis of how and why certain traits are influenced by cranial modifications. These data can then be used in future studies to avoid collecting biased traits when assessing biological distance.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 22732