Decoding Palaeolithic Hand Stencils: Age and Sex Identification Through Geometric Morphometrics

IF 3.2 1区 历史学 Q1 ANTHROPOLOGY Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory Pub Date : 2025-01-21 DOI:10.1007/s10816-025-09693-w
V. Fernández Navarro, D. Fidalgo Casares, D. García Martínez, D. Garate Maidagan
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Abstract

This study pioneers the application of geometric morphometrics to Palaeolithic hand stencils, offering new insights into the problematics of classic rock art using innovative methodology. Employing a triple approach encompassing contemporary, experimental, and archaeological populations, the research achieves a precise estimation of age and biological sex through hand morphometry, enhancing our anthropometric understanding of the individuals whose hands were stencilled. The results of the analysis of the archaeological sample reveals a notable presence of sub-adults, indicating children’s participation in the creation of hand stencils. The findings also suggest a balanced, mixed participation between sexes across age groups and cave locations, reflecting cohesive social behaviour among Upper Palaeolithic human groups. Statistical analysis indicates that finger width in the Palaeolithic population is larger than in the modern sample, possibly due to a more active lifestyle. Most importantly, the study demonstrates the methodology’s repeatability across various chronologies and geographies, especially in well-preserved samples, underscoring its applicability worldwide. Overall, this research represents a significant methodological advancement in our ability to understand Palaeolithic rock art, shedding light on lifestyle and cultural dynamics of hunter-gatherer societies.

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解码旧石器时代的手模板:通过几何形态计量学识别年龄和性别
这项研究开创了几何形态计量学在旧石器时代手印上的应用,用创新的方法为经典岩石艺术的问题提供了新的见解。该研究采用了包括当代、实验和考古人群在内的三重方法,通过手部形态测定法精确估计了年龄和生理性别,增强了我们对手部被模印的个体的人体测量学理解。对考古样本的分析结果显示,有显著的亚成人存在,这表明儿童参与了手工模板的创作。研究结果还表明,不同年龄段和洞穴位置的性别之间的参与是平衡的,混合的,反映了旧石器时代晚期人类群体的凝聚力社会行为。统计分析表明,旧石器时代人群的手指宽度比现代样本要大,这可能是由于他们更活跃的生活方式。最重要的是,该研究证明了该方法在不同年代和地区的可重复性,特别是在保存完好的样本中,强调了其在世界范围内的适用性。总的来说,这项研究代表了我们理解旧石器时代岩石艺术的能力在方法上的重大进步,揭示了狩猎采集社会的生活方式和文化动态。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
6.30
自引率
8.70%
发文量
43
期刊介绍: The Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory, the leading journal in its field,  presents original articles that address method- or theory-focused issues of current archaeological interest and represent significant explorations on the cutting edge of the discipline.   The journal also welcomes topical syntheses that critically assess and integrate research on a specific subject in archaeological method or theory, as well as examinations of the history of archaeology.    Written by experts, the articles benefit an international audience of archaeologists, students of archaeology, and practitioners of closely related disciplines.  Specific topics covered in recent issues include:  the use of nitche construction theory in archaeology,  new developments in the use of soil chemistry in archaeological interpretation, and a model for the prehistoric development of clothing.  The Journal''s distinguished Editorial Board includes archaeologists with worldwide archaeological knowledge (the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and Africa), and expertise in a wide range of methodological and theoretical issues.  Rated ''A'' in the European Reference Index for the Humanities (ERIH) Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory is rated ''A'' in the ERIH, a new reference index that aims to help evenly access the scientific quality of Humanities research output. For more information visit: http://www.esf.org/research-areas/humanities/activities/research-infrastructures.html Rated ''A'' in the Australian Research Council Humanities and Creative Arts Journal List.  For more information, visit: http://www.arc.gov.au/era/journal_list_dev.htm
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