Suchergebnisse

SummaryThere are as yet few studies of body hair variation in man. Of all human populations, the Ainu of Japan are most famous for their alleged hirsuteness, and the history of this somewhat controversial subject is reviewed. Data are presented on chest, back and facial hair pattern and quantity in a sample of Ainu and Ainu/Japanese hybrids, resulting initially from field work by the Cambridge Expedition to Northern Japan in 1964. Methodological problems are discussed. Social attitudes to hairiness in Japan over the past few centuries are commented on, in view of their possible relevance in maintaining the biological distinctiveness of the Ainu. It is concluded that although the Ainu have more body hair than other Japanese, compared with some other groups—for instance American 'Whites'—they can not be considered exceptionally hirsute.

Although the face is one of the most variable parts of the human physique, there is little recent work on this region. Consequently, there is a need for an appraisal of the variation, new thinking as regards the methodology of recording and analysis, and further thought as to the possible applications of such methods. The present exploratory study uses information derived from standardized photographs, to try to elucidate the affinities—and thus the population history—of the people of Tristan da Cunha and the Ainu of Japan. The methods used have also permitted a consideration of within-group variation from the point of view of family differences and varying degrees of admixture. The potential biosocial as well as anthropological value of this type of investigation is discussed.