Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.54062/jb.2.1.2
Sex determination of medieval skeletal remains: evaluation of anthropological, odontological and genetic methods
Belma Jusić
orcid.org/0000-0002-6269-7195
; Laboratory for Forensic Genetics, University of Sarajevo-Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mirela Džehverović
; Laboratory for Forensic Genetics, University of Sarajevo-Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Amela Pilav
; Laboratory for Forensic Genetics, University of Sarajevo-Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Samra Terzić
; Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Selma Zukić
orcid.org/0000-0002-7263-0541
; Department of Dental Morphology, Dental Anthropology and Forensics, University of Sarajevo-Faculty of Dentistry with Clinics, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Edin Bujak
; Department of Archeology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Jasmina Cakar
orcid.org/0000-0002-4876-4996
; Laboratory for Forensic Genetics, University of Sarajevo-Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Abstract
During 2019, 28 grave constructions were excavated at cemetery Metaljica (Hadzici municipality, Bosnia and Herzegovina). Archaeological excavation has revealed 17 well preserved skeletons that were subjected to anthropological, odontological and genetic analyses. To determine sex by genetic analysis, amelogenin and DYS391 loci were taken into consideration. Concordance between results of anthropological, odontological and genetic analyses applied in this research occurred in one sample out of 17. In four samples, sex was determined only by genetic analysis, since sexual dimorphism indicators were not preserved. Concordance between odontological and genetic determinations was observed in two samples, while affirmative results of anthropological and genetic analysis were obtained in only one sample. Discrepancy in the majority of samples can be atributted to the state of preservation of skeletal remains, interpopulation differences and allele drop-out. Moreover, anthropological and odontological analyses were not applicable to juvenile/subadult skeletons, since sexually dimorphic characteristics relevant for metric and morphological analysis are not developed well at that developmental period. This study emphasizes the importance of combining anthropological, odontological and genetic methods in order to determine sex of archaeological skeletal remains accurately.
Keywords
medieval Bosnia; sex assessment; anthropology; odontology; ancient DNA
Hrčak ID:
293639
URI
Publication date:
16.12.2022.
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