The form of the supraorbital margin as a criterion in identification of sex from the skull: Investigations based on modern human skulls

Abstract

Sexual dimorphism in the shape of the supraorbital margin was reported by Broca and various subsequent authors, but no consistently applied, precise definition has been established. In this study of modern human skulls, the value of our definition of the sex-related difference in this area in the identification of sex from the skull was investigated. It was found that this feature can be assessed reliably, is strongly related to sex, and is independent of the side. The accuracy of identification of sex using this method alone was found to be about 70%.