Sex determination of medieval skeletal remains: evaluation of anthropological, odontological and genetic methods

Authors

  • Belma Jusić 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 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 Laboratory for Forensic Genetics, University of Sarajevo-Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Keywords:

medieval Bosnia, sex assessment, anthropology, odontology, ancient DNA

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.

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Published

2022-03-01

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2022); Journal of Bioanthropology

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Research paper

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