Facial Anthropometry Among Hausa Ethnic Group in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria

The morphology of the human face varies with individuals and even more with races and ethnic group. The study was aimed at to ascertain the variations of facial anthropometry among Hausa ethnic group at Tarauni local government, Kano state using the facial linear dimensions. The objectives of the study are to determine the sexual dimorphism in facial linear distances and also to find out the correlation between facial linear dimensions and ages in males and females among the study population. A total of 400 subjects comprising 250 males and 150females age range 18–30 years participated. A 2D Photographs method was used to carry out the study. Independent sample ttest was used to test for the variations in the variables between the opposite sexes. The results showed that there were significant differences P <0.05 between males and females in all the facial linear distances with the exception of right orbital length and left orbital length while for the correlation of the facial dimensions and ages in males and females, No significant correlation was observed with the exception of mouth width and nasal length where significant correlation P<0.05 exist in only females and found to be negative and it implies that the distances decreases with age advancement. In conclusion, the sex of an individual of Hausa ethnic group of Tarauni local government can be determined using facial linear dimensions.

Key Words: Facial anthropometry, age, sexual dimorphism, Hausa population