Geometric morphometric analysis of frontal sinuses in Mesoamerican populations

Abstract

The morphological analysis of the frontal sinuses of 125 pre-Columbian human adults of both sexes exhumed in different explorations allowed to identify biological affinities between populations at the archaeological site of Teotihuacan. The sample included subjects sacrificed in the Temple of the Feathered Serpent at Teotihuacan and Postclassic subjects, as well as Mayan skulls found in the Cueva de las Banquetas. A control sample of 14 inhabitants of Mexico City was also used, assessed by tomography.

    The morphological data were analysed using geometric morphometric methods. It was observed that the Postclassic population had absolutely no affinity with the Classic populations of Teotihuacan (State of Mexico) and the Cueva de las Banquetas (Chiapas), while the subjects found in the Temple of the Feathered Serpent had greater affinity with the Mayan populations than with the Teotihuacan population. Regarding the variation of each group, the Teotihuacan sample was found to have the greatest dispersion in terms of the morphology of the frontal sinuses. These data are consistent with the role played by this city as an economic, ideological and cultural centre. This research shows that the study of the frontal sinuses is a reliable marker in to establish biological affinities among ancient populations. One of its advantages is that it is feasible to include both complete skulls and fragments of frontal bones, thus enlarging the sample size.