Is possible to use the golden ratio of skulls in sketches? Study of a brazilian sample

Abstract

Introduction: The ratios of the human face and body have been analyzed since Antiquity. The bone architecture of the head is based on proportional relationships that are very valuable in the application of auxiliary techniques for identifying individuals of unknown identity. Aims: The objective of this study was to verify the Divine Ratio in a sample of Brazilian skulls from the northeast region, using craniometric measurements and indices and showing their potential in sketches. Materials and Methods: The measurements were taken directly from the skulls, and 14 craniometric measurements were selected from which 3 geometric formulas, 6 horizontal and 4 vertical relationships, and 6 facial indices were calculated. The data were tabulated and described, using the Confidence Interval of the mean (p<0.05). Results: The Golden Ratio (1.618) was not found in the population examined; however, it was possible to establish facial indices and coefficients of the measurements themselves, constructing regional anthropometric parameters based on the ratios studied. The ratio of the height of the head in relation to the height of the face (1.69) was the variable that most closely resembled the Golden Number, and the ratio of the height of the nose equaling half the height of the face (0.92) was the variable that most closely approached the equalities. Conclusion: It was found to be possible to use one craniometric measurement to obtain another one, using the facial indices and the calculated linear regressions, with some of the variables. This study makes a potential contribution to the search for establishing skull ratios that are reproducible for the face, contributing to the improvement of sketch techniques in future studies.