“Efficiency of the Buikstra & Ubelaker and Ferembach Methods, In the Estimation of Sex in Human Skulls from the Department of Ayacucho, Peru”

Abstract

The estimation of sex in human skulls has been a very controversial issue over the years, due to the interpopulation sexual dimorphism that exists. For this reason, we have decided to carry out the following work, in which we will apply and discuss two qualitative methodologies in a sample of 84 adult skulls (male and female), from the Forensic Investigations Laboratory of the Department of Ayacucho - Peru in order to study the effectiveness of these methodologies. Each methodology will have numerical indicators that will represent the degree of sexual dysmorphism, in certain areas that vary differently according to the methodology. In the Buikstra & Ubelaker method we will assign degrees in 5 zones inside the skull; while in the Ferembach method we will evaluate 17 areas between the skull and the jaw that will be detailed later. When obtaining the results of both methodologies, it was observed that there is a significant difference between both methods, being the qualitative method Buikstra & Ubelaker with more successes, thus concluding its greater effectiveness in estimating sex in human skulls.