Stature Estimation From Femoral Bones in an Archaeological Population From the XVIII Century in Lisbon

In Forensic Odontology, the estimation of the stature often has a crucial role in the reconstructive phase of disjointed populations. The femur, being the longest bone in the human body, is usually the most reliable source in height estimation. This investigation aims to estimate the stature as well as to identify the minimum number of individuals (MNI) of the catastrophic population concerning the earthquake that occurred in 1755 in Lisbon, whose skeletal remains were found in the Cloister’s South Wing of Academia das Ciências de Lisboa in 2004. This study was conducted on eight complete femurs and twenty-one fragments, which were measured, using an absolute digimatic Mitutoyo® caliper or a vernier Mitutoyo® caliper, and weighted. Mildred Trotter and Goldine C. Gleser’s (1952) study was used to estimate the height using whole femurs. Based on the fragmented femurs, the total length of the femur was calculated using Steele and Mckern’s (1970) study. Afterwards, Mildred Trotter and Goldine C. Gleser’s (1952) study was applied in order to estimate each individuum’s height. It was possible to determine a minimum number of individuals (MNI) of 29, correspondent to 8 left whole femurs (from a total number of 14) and 21 left femur bodies (from a total number of 58). The results showed that, for the whole femur, the height varies between 148 cm and 169 cm and regarding the fragments, they vary between 151,67 cm and 181,59 cm. The results of the estimated heights are compatible with the expected for that period of time, therefore the carried-out investigation reveals that the applied methods seem to be viable.