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5. Anthropological studies in Tuva and Northern Mongolia: Tuvans, Tozhu Tuvans, Tsaatans

Anthropological studies in Tuva and Northern Mongolia: Tuvans, Tozhu Tuvans, Tsaatans

Khomyakova I.A. (1), Balinova N.V. (2)

1) Lomonosov Moscow State University, Institute and Museum of Anthropology, Moscow ; 2) FBSI «Research Centre for Medical Genetics», Moscow

Abstract

This study undertakes a comparative analysis of anthropometric data of two territorial groups of the Tuvans of the Kyzylsky and Todzhinsky districts of the Republic of Tuva and the Tsaatans of the Khцvsgцl aimag of Northern Mongolia. The data were collected during 2016 expedition. The subjects were questioned and protocols of informed consent were signed. To undertake a comparative analysis of morphological features of the Tuvans, Tozhu Tuvans and Tsaatans in the context of secular variation, we used the data of T. Alekseeva and N. Klevtsova collected during 1977–1980 field seasons as part of the 1976–1980 expedition of the MSU Research Institute and Museum of Anthropology to Tuva. Anthropometric survey was carried out using standard methods. The program included the measurement of the longitudinal and transverse body dimensions, body circumferences and skinfold measures of body fat, as well as head and face dimensions. A series of indices was calculated to describe body proportions and head and face shapes. Significant differences were found between the samples of modern Tuvans, Tozhu Tuvans and Tsaatans, in the most somatic parameters describing body dimensions and shape. Head and face dimensions are characterized by a low level of intergroup variation. Epochal variability was studied in groups of the Tozhu Tuvans and is related to the increase in longitudinal dimensions of the skeleton, weight and girth of the body, as well as longitudinal diameter of the head and some face dimensions in the modern population. The Tozhu Tuvan males and females experienced a decrease in cephalic index and transverse dimensions of the face over the past 40 years. The detected temporal changes in the morphological features of the Tozhu Tuvans are in line with current trends.

Keywords

human morphology, somatology, ethnic anthropology, ethnogenesis, anthropometry, secular changes

Цит.: Khomyakova I.A., Balinova N.V. Anthropological studies in Tuva and Northern Mongolia: Tuvans, Tozhu Tuvans, Tsaatans // Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seria XXIII. Antropologia), 2017; 2/2017; с. 12-25