Deciduous dental variation in Chalcolithic India: methods, metrics and meaning

Deciduous teeth are occasionally well represented in archaeological skeletal samples, yet their potential value in reconstructing biological adaptations of prehistoric populations is often overlooked. Independent investigations of the metric dimensions of deciduous dental remains from the Chalcolithic site of Nevasa (Deccan Plateau, western India) yield a unique opportunity to compare odontometric methods and gain insight regarding dental variation in prehistoric India. Mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) dimensions of deciduous teeth were measured by two researchers. Intra- and inter-observer precision in dental measurements are evaluated statistically using multiple methods of comparison. Mean MD and BL dental dimensions (mm) and crown areas (MD × BL; mm²) are reported for Nevasa and compared with mean crown dimensions for Inamgaon. Tooth crown size for Nevasa is evaluated using maxillary, mandibular and total crown areas. The apportionment of tooth mass to incisor and molar tooth classes permits assessment of inter-group variation. No significant differences in mean crown dimensions (MD, BL) or mean crown areas were found between Nevasa (493.6 mm²) and Inamgaon (504.6 mm²). While the apportionment of crown area to incisor and molar tooth classes differed, in overall size (total crown area) both sites are intermediate when compared with prehistoric and living groups from South, Southeast and East Asia. The well documented trend in reduction of permanent tooth size is paralleled by reduction in deciduous tooth size in South Asian prehistory.