Age at death: pubic symphysis (Schmitt, 2008)

Discriminates individuals who died before or after 40 years from three characters of the pubic symphysis, and gives the probability distribution over three age classes.

SPUA · The posterior demi-face

SPUA1 Well-defined ridges and furrows are present, oriented perpendicular to the axis of the pubic symphysis.

SPUA2 The posterior demi-face is undergoing remodelling and ossification. The ridges and furrows are largely attenuated or entirely absent. Distinct bony nodules may be visible.

SPUA3 Remodelling of the posterior demi-face is complete and its surface is even. Bony nodules are entirely absent. The posterior border is clearly delimited.

SPUB · The anterior demi-face

Morphological changes of the anterior demi-face are related to the formation of the ventral rampart.

SPUB1 The anterior demi-face consists of furrows and ridges oriented perpendicular to the axis of the pubic symphysis. The rampart is absent. No formation is present on the ventral border adjacent to the symphysis.

SPUB2 The rampart is forming and its lower part can be distinguished. The lower border of the symphyseal face forms a distinct triangle, whose anterior edge delimits the lower part of the ventral rampart. The upper part of the rampart is not formed. A bony hiatus is present: a depression of the bone relative to the level of the symphyseal surface.

SPUB3 Formation of the ventral and upper part of the rampart is complete. The rampart extends along the whole length of the symphysis. Its thickness varies. The outlines of the symphyseal face are clear.

SPUC · The posterior border

This character is observed with the coxal bone oriented so that the posterior part of the iliac blade faces the observer.

SPUC1 Posterior lip without overhang.

SPUC2 Posterior lip extending over the segment of the pubis adjacent to the pubic symphysis.