Phenice method
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The Phenice method is a technique of determining the sex of a human skeleton from the innominate pelvis. In the procedure, sex is determined based on three features: the ventral arc, the subpubic concavity, and the medial aspect of the ischio-pubic ramus. As a non-metric absolute method, it relies on the recognition of discrete male and female traits. This makes the method objective, easily performable, and relatively quick[1] (although this has been challenged by those seeking to improve the method).[2] It is considered highly accurate, up to 96%, owing to the distinct biological differences between male and female anatomy in the pelvis, making it a highly useful method for those determining the sex of a skeleton.[1]
Determining the sex of a human skeleton has multiple uses. Within archaeology it is essential for building a biological profile of an individual, which in turn might be used to make assumptions about sex-based roles and responsibilities or contrast life histories based on sex. It is also important for reconstructing demographics of past societies to estimate population size, family size, and other factors. Within the field of heritage it may be useful in reconstructing the appearance and life of an individual for public presentation. It also has forensic uses where it can aid in the identification of bodies for legal purposes.[2]
While the pelvis has long been recognised as an important piece of skeletal morphology in determining sex, the Phenice method was proposed in 1969 by T.W. Phenice. From him it takes its name. Before Phenice’s ideas the study of the pubis focussed on aspects such as the width of the pubis, the pre-auricular suculus and the greater sciatic notch among others. Phenice considered these aspects highly relative and therefore subject to the researcher. Furthermore, they required experience to identify. Phenice’s method was originally based on the differences between the area of attachment of the crux penis or crux clitoris to the ischiopubic ramus, however he determined this was not accurate enough and chose to consider the two further aspects as well.[1] Phenice’s principles have been tested and revised numerous times since their original publication, most notably by Klales et al. in 2012. This paper claimed that Phenice’s original method did not acknowledge the prevalence of intermediate forms between extreme male and female features, nor did it appropriately consider the significance of the different features of the innominate, nor did it calculate the posterior probability as to quantify the likelihood of the individual belonging to the other sex. As such, Klales et al. proposed an improved method that is often used today.[2]
Determining sex using the Phenice method
Ventral arc
The ventral arc is a ridge of bone on the inferior aspect of the anterior surface of the pubis present only in females.
Sub-pubic concavity
From the anterior view, female os coxae display concavity of the ischiopubic ramus along the medial edge. In males, the medial edge of the ischiopubic ramus from the anterior view is straight.
Medial aspect of the ischiopubic ramus
From the medial view, the medial aspect of the ischiopubic ramus has a sharp edge inferior to the pubic symphyseal face in females. In males, this surface is broad and flat.
References
- ^ a b c Phenice, T. W. (March 1969). "A newly developed visual method of sexing the os pubis". American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 30 (2): 297–301. doi:10.1002/ajpa.1330300214. ISSN 0002-9483.
- ^ a b c Klales, Alexandra R.; Ousley, Stephen D.; Vollner, Jennifer M. (2012-06-19). "A revised method of sexing the human innominate using Phenice's nonmetric traits and statistical methods". American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 149 (1): 104–114. doi:10.1002/ajpa.22102. ISSN 0002-9483.
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