Prediction of Craneometric Modifications of Native Subjects of the Highlands Based on Local Historical Craneometric Indices

Abstract

The absence of information on the temporal variations in the craniometric measurements of native Bolivian subjects led to the investigation of these changes that occurred since pre-Inca times, trying to achieve close predictions of the modifications of the craniofacial regions, which will allow taking early corrective measures in dental management. For this purpose, a sample was obtained based on mummy skulls from pre-Inca and Inca times provided by the National Museum of Archeology (MUNARQ) and current skulls obtained from imaging tests. The information was summarized to 24 numerical variables of craniometric indicators, which were evaluated in the SPSS v23 program, where non-seasonal time series were performed, obtaining projected dimensions in each variable from the most acceptable Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The results of each variable have made it possible to predict the increase in measurements corresponding to the cranial vault and decrease in orbital and nasal dimensions, described individually through the calculated predictive formulas (Holt's simple non-seasonal and linear trend model). Undoubtedly, this line of research should be expanded with the convenient search for complete historical bone elements with an exact record of the temporal space to which they belonged.