文摘
In physical anthropology, sex determination, estimation of age at death, and estimation of stature are essential parameters to establish the biological profile of an individual from bone remains. The introduction and observation of asymptomatic osseous variations (AOVs; anatomical variations, postural markers, and asymptomatic congenital anomalies) can help to establish a more complete and specific biological profile. Eighty-two AOVs, rated as “present” or “absent”, were studied in 1,300 individuals from three different collections: a contemporary collection (medical imaging), an osteological reference collection, and an osteoarchaeological collection. The frequencies of each AOV were obtained from the three samples and their frequencies according to sex, age, and laterality were calculated. Two-by-two associations followed by multiple associations were tested for all AOVs. A clear iconography of each AOV was obtained. The final goal was to select only AOVs with a frequency of less than 10% and which are easily observable for the purpose of establishing a biological profile that can help to identify the individual. The aim of this note is not to present the entire version of the doctoral thesis, but to describe the context, how the study proceeded, and its main results.