Human Remains recovered from the Shiru area of Furuzamamibaru district, Zamami Village, Okinawa Prefecture

沖縄県座間味村古座間味原シル地区砂丘地出土人骨について

The Furuzamaibaru district in the Zamami Village. Okinawa Prefecture, is located on Zamami island in the Kerama archipelago. Human remains were recovered from the Shiru area, at the southern end of a sand dune in the southern part of Zamai island. It has been thought that human remains recovered from the Shiru area are prehistoric because they share morphological similarities with the Gushikawa island sites in Izena Village, and the Momenbaru and Ufutobaru sites in Yomitan Village. The possible practice of teeth extraction also implies that they are prehistoric. However, because these human bones were scattered in the Shiru area and without datable artifacts, the age of these bones was unclear. We have examined these human bones. At least three adult males, three adult females, and one young adult individual have been identified. These are all dried bones. Osteological analysis suggests that these individuals are characterized by l) hyperbrachy cephalic (round head) and 2) well developed upper limbs compared to the lower limbs These traits also characterize prehistoric populations in the southwestern archipelago. Four canines had been extracted from each of the mandibles. Therefore, the human remains recovered from the Shiru area are likely prehistoric. Furthermore, dental caries, enamel hypoplasia ,, and specialized ware patterns are also present.