Antropological Characteristic of the Ainu from Sakhalin and Hokkaido Islands

Read more We have studied the skulls of the Ainu from both Japan and Russia, as well as a number of scattered bones of postcranial skeletons. Eleven skulls, of which 4 are from Japan (Hokkaido) and 7 are from Russia (Sakhalin Island) were put at our disposal in the Museum of Man in Paris (France). A description of craniological characteristics on female skulls clearly shows their belonging to the intermediate Kuril race. This is the type that is characterized by a combination of Mongoloid and Australo-Negroid parameters. Characteristics treated as Mongoloid are weak horizontal profiling, flattened nose protrusion and low nasal bridge. Australoid features are fairly well manifested in the low and very wide nose. Male skulls also clearly demonstrate Mongoloid parameters: weak horizontal profiling, weak nose protrusion, small height of nasal bones, as well as rather wide cheekbones. Quite high-faced individuals are also encountered in Sakhalin. In contrast to brachymorphic women, dolichocrania is widespread among men. Their noses are not so low and wide as females’ ones.

Keywords: Ainu, Sakhalin, Hokkaido, craniology, osteology, Kuril race.