Determination of Cephalic Index of the Yakurr People of Cross River State, Nigeria

Cephalic Index is an important parameter for deciding the age, sex and race of an individual whose identity is unknown. This study determined the mean cephalic index of 500 children and adolescents of the Yakurr people of Cross River State, Nigeria. Male and female subjects with no anomalies in their facial features and head circumference were randomly selected from schools in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria; ages ranging from 3 to 18 years (250 males and 250 females). Sex variation in the values of the cephalic index was determined. The result of the study showed that the mean cephalic index of Yakurr male subjects is 80. 90- + l.96 while that for females is 80.54-+ 1.22.Therefore the Yakurr people of Cross River State have brachycephalic head shape. Statistical analysis (using the z score) demonstrates that males had significantly higher values than females (P<0.05), indicating sexual dimorphism. This result compliments the sexual variation in cephalic index that has been reported in Ijaw and Igbo ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Key Words: Cephalic index, Yakurr people, Cross River State, Nigeria