Biological Anthropology in Namibia Quantitative Parameters of the Gonial Angle and Mastoid Process for Sex Estimation

Abstract

Current standardized methods for sex estimation using the cranial bones involve evaluating landmarks and defining them as feminine, neutral, or masculine, if possible. These methods rely on population-specific data to minimize margin of error, and much controversy exists around the reliability based on the significance of the difference between male and female sex. Sex determination is still a vital component of constructing a biological profile in the identification of skeletal remains. Biological anthropology has only recently been diploid in Namibia, and to date, a benchmark for population-specific data to determine sex using qualitative methods has not been established. This study, therefore, aimed to establish qualitative parameters and evaluate the efficiency at which they can be used to accurately determine biological sex in males and females for victim identification. This study concluded that statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in mean and variance can be observed between male and female (1) gonial angles and (2) mastoid process length. This study also observed that despite the significant difference in measures of central location, a great degree of range overlap is seen in the gonial angle and mastoid process length. This study concluded that by using qualitative measurements and combining evaluations of at least two clear landmarks on the cranium, accurate sex estimation can be completed 68% to 70% of the time. The landmarks were limited to ones clearly displayed and measurable on archived radio-images while considering transferable osteologic measurements.