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Related Experiment Videos

Statistical assessment of population variability: a methodological approach.

P J Key1, R L Jantz

  • 1KEY Company, Inc., Williston, North Dakota 58802-2690.

American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|May 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

This study introduces a statistical method to analyze cranial variability in skeletal samples. Plains Indian crania from Leavenworth showed significant differences between burial areas, unlike the Bad River 2 Phase sites.

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Area of Science:

  • Bioarchaeology
  • Paleopathology
  • Statistical Anthropology

Background:

  • Assessing cranial variability is crucial for understanding population dynamics and social structures in past communities.
  • Skeletal samples offer insights into group composition, health, and cultural practices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To implement and apply a multivariate statistical methodology for evaluating cranial variability in skeletal samples.
  • To compare cranial variability within archaeological samples against a baseline of normal within-group variability.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a statistical method comparing covariance matrices of skeletal samples.
  • Applied the methodology to two Plains Indian craniometric datasets: Leavenworth site (39CO9) and Bad River 2 Phase sites.

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Main Results:

  • Substantial heterogeneity in cranial morphology was detected among crania from the Leavenworth site.
  • Cranial heterogeneity at Leavenworth was partly explained by distinct burial areas, suggesting preserved social distinctions.
  • No significant differentiation was found among sites within the Bad River 2 Phase, indicating a cohesive biological unit.

Conclusions:

  • The multivariate statistical approach effectively identifies significant cranial heterogeneity within skeletal samples.
  • Analysis of the Leavenworth site supports the interpretation of distinct social organization reflected in burial practices.
  • The Bad River 2 Phase samples represent a biologically integrated population unit.