The characteristic mid‐shaft cross‐sectional shape of the ulna in Jomon hunter‐gatherers

Abstract

Shape differences between Jomon people and modern Japanese can be explained by variation in the habitual loading of the ulna. Sexual dimorphism in ulna shape within the Jomon population suggests division of labor differences.

Diaphyseal cross‐sectional geometry of the metatarsal bones in the Jomon population

“…However, although the sex‐based differences in the foot structure, kinematics, or hormones possibly affect the CSG of the MTs, it is difficult using these factors alone to explain the fewer sex‐based differences in the modern Japanese population than in the Jomon population. Moreover, sexual difference in the Jomon population in the structure of the limb bone diaphysis (Hagihara & Nara, ; Nakatsukasa, ; Sakaue, ), dental caries (Temple, ), and a stable isotope analysis (Kusaka et al, ) and these differences were thought to be a result of the sexual division of the labor in their culture. It is difficult to know what the actual activity was, however, habitual loading on the MTs may be different in Jomon men and women.…”