Phylogeny of the southern Plateau: an osteometric evaluation of inter-tribal relations

This project focuses on whether determination of physical differences among closely affiliated Native American populations inhabiting the southern Plateau is possible. The study includes 318 individuals and approximately 100 recorded measurements of the cranium, humerus, femur, and tibia of each individual. The compiled measurements were evaluated in terms of their implied genetic affiliation, environmental location, and cultural identity. Along with metric measurements, pathological conditions were also compared to provide a control experiment to confirm or reject the findings. The results indicate that there are slight differences detectable among the populations as a result of environmental and European contact factors. The most apparent disparities are seen in relation to the size and shape of the lower extremities, which are highly associated with environmental and dietary stress. Pathological analysis supports the findings of the osteological analysis, suggesting that if the location of the burial and a general time period for interment are known, cultural identification is possible.