An exploration of adult body shape and limb proportions at Kellis 2, Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt
Michele M. Bleuze, Sandra M. Wheeler, Tosha L. Dupras, Lana J. Williams, J. El Molto First published: 20 December 2013
Abstract
Several studies have shown that the human body generally conforms to the ecogeographical expectations of Bergmann's and Allen's rules; however, recent evidence suggests that these expectations may not hold completely for some populations. Egypt is located at the crossroads of Sub-Saharan Africa, Southern Europe, and the Near East, and gene flow among groups in these regions may confound ecogeographical patterning. In this study, we test the fit of the adult physique of a large sample (N = 163) of females and males from the Kellis 2 cemetery (Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt) against ecogeographical predictions. Body shape (i.e., body mass relative to stature) was assessed by the femur head diameter to bicondylar femur length index (FHD/BFL), and brachial and crural indices were calculated to examine intralimb proportions. Body shape in the Kellis 2 sample is not significantly different from high-latitude groups and a Lower Nubian sample, and intralimb proportions are not significantly different from mid-latitude and other low-latitude groups. This study demonstrates the potential uniqueness of body shape and intralimb proportions in an ancient Egyptian sample, and further highlights the complex relationship between ecogeographic patterning and adaptation.
The results presented in this study suggest that body shape and intralimb proportions among ancient Egyp- tian populations cannot be generalized as “tropically adapted” or “Negroid” as previously suggested (Robins, 1983; Robins and Shute, 1986; Zakrzewski, 2003). Although certain aspects of the Kellis 2 physique con- form to ecogeographical expectations (e.g., brachial and crural indices), their body mass relative to stature is greater than expected, and does not fit the “tropically adapted” scheme.
Mansamusa Member # 22474
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Isn't Kellis a Roman era community?
DD'eDeN Member # 21966
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"Tropical limb proportions", Body shape, etc. can only be correctly based on tropical rainforest pygmy people, with regard to prehistorical populations.
All other people derive in part from non-tropical/non-rainforest ancestors.
the lioness, Member # 17353
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quote:Originally posted by Mansamusa: Isn't Kellis a Roman era community?
Yes but Djehuti teaches the people didn't intermix, he's the expert
Djehuti Member # 6698
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^ And is there no wonder why we attached the moniker of 'lyinass' was to you? Please cite where in this forum ever did I say people didn't intermix?? If I didn't know any better I'd say you're still asshurt over my questions to your conjectures over here. If that's what this thread is about, then tell me what this Roman era site in Dakleh Egypt has to do with the Christian Nubian sample in the Holliday thread?
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^ That is besides the point. This whole thread is nothing more than a large strawdoll by Lioness. We know the Romans had a significant presence in Egypt especially since they conquered by Egypt. But what does any of this have to do with the Christian Nubian sample in the Holliday study here??
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