PURSE 1996

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Aging and Sexing of Skeletal finds
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Chandrasekara, M. S.; Wikramanayake, E. R.
The aging and sexing of two 12th century skeletons excavated in 1993 in Alahana Pirivena site in Polonnaruwa form the basis of the study. Skeleton No. 1 was of an individual of 5' 1/2" in length as measured in situ. Epiphyseal lines were seen in the partly fused upper and lower ends of the upper ann and forearm bones. The spheno-occipital synchondrosis was present. All maxillary and mandibular teeth were present with partly erupted third molars. With this, the age range can be limited to 16 - 18 years for a female and 18 - 20 years for a male. The muscle markings on the bones were not prominent. The sacrum showed the auricular surface extending up to 2 112segments suggesting that it is more likely to be a male. Skeleton No.2 was that of a heavily built individual. The saggital and coronal sutures of the skull were fused but the occipital and temporal sutures were partly fused. The premolar and molar teeth in both jaws showed attrition and exposure of dentine. From this data, the age of this individual was estimated to be around 55 years or more. Both the prominent muscle markings on bones and the prominent superciliary ridges indicate that this individual is a male.