BIOLOGICAL PROFILE ESTIMATION OF FIVE SKELETAL REMAINS IN PATIAYAM, INDONESIA

Abstract

Background. Forensic anthropology is the application of human biology in a medicolegal context to identify unknown individuals. Known as a biological profile analysis, estimations on taxonomy, minimum number of individuals (MNI), population affinity, sex, age, stature, and other individual features were reported. Objectives. This study aimed to estimate the biological profile of commingled human skeletal remains stored in Patiayam Archaeological Museum. Methods. Adopting a case study approach, measurements and macroscopic observations were conducted on skeletal human remains stored in Patiayam Archaeological Museum, Kudus Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. The samples were collected within the span of three years (2016 to 2019) in Kudus and Pati Regencies. All data were presented in descriptive statistics and narrative biocultural interpretations. Results. The remains consisted of one skull, one tibia, two fragments of a mandible, and 14 loose teeth. Their MNI estimates were five people, then coded as PTA.01 to PTA.05. PTA.01, PTA.02, and PTA.03 were possibly of Southeast Asian affinity, with indications of severe tooth wear and mild caries. PTA.04 was most likely a Javanese female aged 45.2 ± 12.6 years and stood between 148.067 and 166.26 cm. The tibia (PTA.05) was 265 mm in length, and the individual was estimated to be 147.70 ± 5.15 cm in stature. Conclusions. Despite limitations on archaeological contexts and relatively simple instruments, this study managed to adopt a forensic anthropological protocol to interpret past human lives and behaviour. Future studies should consider using other methods, such as radiological and biomolecular analysis, for a more accurate interpretation.