Methodological aspects of the diagnosis of sex based on cranial metric traits

Among the methodological aspects of the studies of ancient populations the sex diagnosis is still an open problem. In our study we developed sex discriminant functions for craniometric variables in different Italian reference populations (Sardinians and Bologneses). Separate discriminant functions were calculated for the different populations and sexes and for the whole of the two populations. The highest percentage of correct classification of sex is obtained with the equations for facial dimensions in the Sardinians (93.9%) and of those for the mandible in the Bologneses (96.5%). The cross-application of the equations indicates that the discrimination of sex is markedly influenced by the different body proportions of the two populations. We also assessed the application in ancient skeletal remains of the populations of Monte Bibele (Bologna, 4th to 2nd c.BC) and Montericco (Imola, 6th to 4th c.BC), for which there are reliable diagnosis of sex. This underlines the necessity of using equations based on populations that are biologically similar to those being studied.