Qualitative analysis of Micro-Metamorphosis as an histological alternative in cronovital estimation: an evaluation of samples with age at death known

Abstract

Currently, there are various methods both macroscopic and microscopic, which allow estimating the adult age-at-death with a good accuracy. However, the poor preservation of the archaeological remains prevents us making a good use of these methods from the forensic field, especially in the Maya Low Lands bioarchaeology. In reality, the forensic anthropolo-gy seeks for the highest accuracy based on a good preservation, however, what is really required in the archeology is a “robust” method, widely applicable in the degraded bones.

In this situation, we offer the “qualitative assessment” of the bone histological structure. We have determined five histomorphological features in our previous studies, and they can be recognized and recorded even in the most degraded burials. The main objective of this paper lies in examination of those histomorphological features in a modern/colonial sample with known age-at-death. Through our results, we hope to consolidate the concept of the qua-lification of the micro-metamorphosis and to let it to be known as a new alternative method of age-at-death determination.