Pascal Murail

Variability of the pattern of aging on the human skeleton: evidence from bone indicators and implications on age at death estimation.

Age at death assessment of adult skeletons is one of the most difficult problems in forensic and physical anthropology. Two fundamental sources of error are described: the complex variability in the process of skeletal aging and methodological bias. Taking into account these limits, we developed a new scoring system for the auricular surface of the ilium and the pubic symphysis. In order to address a large variability, we examine reference samples from Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. Data were processed using Bayesian prediction in order to classify specimens in age range categories. Results show that combining indicators do not perform better than the auricular surface used as a single indicator. Morphological changes with aging are variable between Asian, African, and European populations, confirming the necessity to use population-specific standards. Bayesian prediction produces reliable classification and is applicable for subjects over 50 years old, a real methodological improvement.

A new approach to sexual diagnosis in past populations. Practical adjustments from Van Vark's procedure

Determination of sex is a key aspect in the study of past populations. Bias in skeletal sexing is well known, however, and depends upon the completeness of the skeletal remains and the representativeness of reference samples. In order to correct these difficulties, the authors propose practical adjustments to Van Varks well-known procedure. Two fundamental aspects are considered to reduce the bias of sex allocation. First, we propose to increase the effectiveness of sexing during the first step (primary diagnosis only from the pelvic bone). Second, to improve the final step (secondary diagnosis from the extra-pelvic skeleton), we consider posterior probabilities as essential. These two practical adjustments are successfully tested in a sample of known sex and lead to a classification with 94.5% accuracy. These results significantly improve sex determination in archaeological samples and therefore contribute to a better understanding of past populations.

Methodology and Reliability of Sex Determination From the Skeleton

Once a body is completely decomposed, it is necessary to determine sex from the skeleton. The hip bone is the most reliable indicator for sex determination because the pattern of sexual dimorphism is common to the whole human race. Two reliable visual methods are suggested to assess sex from the hip bone. However, the authors recommend the use of a method based on discriminant function analysis including a probabilistic approach that the authors recently developed with a large sample of known-sex individuals. The population specificity of sexual dimorphism of the other parts of the skeleton is also discussed. The authors particularly insist on the inherent limits of discriminant functions on extrapelvic measurements.

Comparison between morphological and genetic data to estimate biological relationship: The case of the Egyin Gol necropolis (Mongolia)

Osseous and dental nonmetric (discrete) traits have long been used to assess population variability and affinity in anthropological and archaeological contexts. However, the full extent to which nonmetric traits can reliably be used as a proxy for genetic data when assessing close or familial relationships is currently poorly understood. This study represents the unique opportunity to directly compare genetic and nonmetric data for the same individuals excavated from the Egyin Gol necropolis, Mongolia. These data were analyzed to consider the general efficacy of nonmetric traits for detecting familial groupings in the absence of available genetic data. The results showed that the Egyin Gol population is quite homogenous both metrically and genetically confirming a previous suggestion that the same people occupied the necropolis throughout the five centuries of its existence. Kinship analysis detected the presence of potential family burials in the necropolis. Moreover, individuals buried in one sector of the necropolis were differentiated from other sectors on the basis of nonmetric data. This separation is likely due to an outside Turkish influence in the paternal line, as indicated by the results of Y-chromosome analysis. Affinity matrices based on nonmetric and genetic data were correlated demonstrating the potential of nonmetric traits for detecting relationships in the absence of genetic data. However, the strengths of the correlations were relatively low, cautioning against the use of nonmetric traits when the resolution of the familial relationships is low.

Inter‐ and Extra‐Indian Admixture and Genetic Diversity in Reunion Island Revealed by Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA

Reunion Island is a French territory located in the western Indian Ocean. The genetic pattern of the Reunionese population has been shaped by contributions from highly contrasting regions of the world. Over the last 350 years, several migration waves and cultural and socio‐economic factors have led to the emergence of six main ethnic groups in Reunion. India is one of the principal regions that contributed to the setting up of the Reunionese population. Diversity, demographic and admixture analyses were performed on mtDNA variation of the Reunionese of Indian ancestry, including the Malbar and Zarab ethnic groups, in order to question their history. Using a phylogeographical approach, we generated and analysed quantitative data on the contribution of the Indian parental populations. Furthermore, we showed that the settlement of Reunion Island by Indians did not involve a founder effect, except in the very beginning of the Reunionese settlement (at the end of the 17th century). The accuracy of our results was optimised by a re‐evaluation of the classification of the Southern Asian mtDNA haplogroups. Finally, by comparing our results to a previous study dealing with the Reunionese population, we highlighted how ethno‐historical data are critical for reconstructing the complex history of multiethnic populations.

The man, the woman and the hyoid bone : from archaeology to the burial practices of the Xiongnu people (Egyin Gol Valley, Mongolia)

A man and a woman were found in a double burial dating from the 1st century BC and located in a Xiongnu burial site in northern Mongolia. An offering box at the head of the mans coffin contained both remains of domestic animals and a human hyoid bone. The skeleton of the man was complete whereas the womans hyoid bone was missing. The isolated hyoid bone could belong to the buried woman, which suggests the removal of her tongue and probably her sacrifice.

Complete Mitochondrial Sequences for Haplogroups M23 and M46: Insights into the Asian Ancestry of the Malagasy Population

Abstract Through the sequencing of the complete mitochondrial genome of three individuals of Malagasy ancestry, we completed the characterization of the island southeastern Asian specific M46 haplogroup. We assumed that the association of the np 3588 and np 16278 polymorphisms were M46 specific. In addition, we characterized a novel basal M subhaplogroup: M23. This clade can be defined by one coding region transition at np 10295 and one control region transition at np 16263. Our data suggest the arrival of South Asian migrants before the start of the 15th century and highlights the fact that future studies dealing with the settlement of Madagascar should consider at least three potential source populations (Africa, Indonesia, and India).

Validation and reliability of the sex estimation of the human os coxae using freely available DSP2 software for bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology

OBJECTIVES A new tool for skeletal sex estimation based on measurements of the human os coxae is presented using skeletons from a metapopulation of identified adult individuals from twelve independent population samples. For reliable sex estimation, a posterior probability greater than 0.95 was considered to be the classification threshold: below this value, estimates are considered indeterminate. By providing free software, we aim to develop an even more disseminated method for sex estimation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten metric variables collected from 2,040 ossa coxa of adult subjects of known sex were recorded between 1986 and 2002 (reference sample). To test both the validity and reliability, a target sample consisting of two series of adult ossa coxa of known sex (n = 623) was used. The DSP2 software (Diagnose Sexuelle Probabiliste v2) is based on Linear Discriminant Analysis, and the posterior probabilities are calculated using an R script. RESULTS For the reference sample, any combination of four dimensions provides a correct sex estimate in at least 99% of cases. The percentage of individuals for whom sex can be estimated depends on the number of dimensions; for all ten variables it is higher than 90%. Those results are confirmed in the target sample. DISCUSSION Our posterior probability threshold of 0.95 for sex estimate corresponds to the traditional sectioning point used in osteological studies. DSP2 software is replacing the former version that should not be used anymore. DSP2 is a robust and reliable technique for sexing adult os coxae, and is also user friendly.

La nécropole Néolithique de Skhirat (Maroc) : caractérisation de la population inhumée et organisation spatiale

RésuméLa nécropole néolithique de Skhirat, découverte en 1980, est le plus important ensemble funéraire connu du néolithique moyen du Maroc septentrional. Incluse dans un cordon littoral récent de la façade atlantique, elle est composée de 87 tombes primaires et de 14 dépôts mobiliers, représentant une opportunité unique de discuter le fonctionnement d’une nécropole néolithique, tant au niveau de la composition de l’échantillon inhumé que de l’organisation spatiale. L’analyse du recrutement funéraire montre une absence de sélection pour les individus non-adultes, avec une représentation tout à fait compatible avec une démographie naturelle, ce qui est exceptionnel pour cette période. En revanche, pour l’échantillon « adultes », un recrutement particulier est démontré, privilégiant notamment les femmes jeunes. L’organisation spatiale, objectivée par une analyse statistique, témoigne d’un souci de regroupements des enfants décédés en bas âge (avant un an) et de leur éloignement par rapport aux hommes adultes et aux adolescents. Cela suggère que ces très jeunes enfants faisaient l’objet d’un statut particulier.AbstractThe Neolithic necropolis of Skhirat, discovered in 1980, is the most significant known Middle Neolithic burial site in Northern Morocco. The necropolis is located on a recent sandbar on the Atlantic seaboard. It contains 87 primary graves and 14 artefact deposits, which provide a unique opportunity to discuss the organisation of a Neolithic necropolis, in terms of both sample composition and spatial organisation. Analysis of the non-adult skeletal remains shows no selection according to age and an age distribution entirely consistent with a natural demographic pattern, which is exceptional for the period. However, the adult sample reveals a particular pattern in which young women are over-represented. Regarding spatial organisation, statistical analysis shows that infants less than one year old tend to be grouped together, at a distance from adult men and adolescents, suggesting that very young children had a particular status.

Unpacking burial and rank: the role of children in the first monumental cemeteries of Western Europe (4600–4300 BC)

Examining the earliest grand mortuary monuments of the Neolithic, the authors question the assumption that they mark the resting place of societys higher ranks. Using the skeletal remains, the grave goods and the burial rites, they find no great differences in commemoration between the monumental cemeteries, with their long barrows, and the flat graves, without structures. In this analysis, the children proved to be the most vivid players: while the very young are largely excluded, some toddlers were selected to carry hunting equipment, a distinction shared with selected adult males. Some children were also laid to rest in the long barrows, with some adults. Thus hunting has a spiritual value for these agriculturalists, and whether inherited or marked at birth, the children signal something more variable and subtle than linear rank.