ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 9

The Accuracy of Sex Identification in European Skeletal Remains Using the Phenice Characters
Bruce, MF
Lecturer, Marischal College, University of Aberdeen,

MacLaughlin, SM
Lecturer, United Medical and Dental Schools (Guy's Campus),

(Received 15 September 1989; accepted 3 November 1989)

Abstract

Three documented European skeletal series were examined to assess the accuracy and reliability of the public variables described by Phenice for correctly identifying the sex of adult human skeletal remains. The accuracy and objectivity of these variables, as reported by Phenice. Kelley, Sutherland and Suchey, and Lovell, could not be confirmed on this European material. In general, the subpublic concavity feature, when used alone, proved to be the most reliable variable for sex identification.

In this study, the level of correct sex identification that could be achieved using the Phenice variables was shown to be significantly affected by the previous experience of the observer.

Keywords:
physical anthropology, human identification, Phenice method, osteology

Paper ID: JFS12974J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12974J
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