Dr. T. Tóth szerk.: Studia historico-anthropologica (Anthropologia Hungarica 21. Budapest, 1990)
ANTHROPOLOGIA HUNGARICA XXI. 1990 p. 55-68 Anthropological investigation of the Avar period population of Kaba By M. FERENCZ (Received June 2,1990) Abstract. The author examines the osteological material of 139 graves from the 8th century cemetery of Kaba. A general anthropological characterization of the series, secondary taxonomical analysis and comparison to other Avar period series are given. With 8 tables, 4 figures and 3 plates. Some graves were found during earth moving between the villages Kaba and Tetétlen (Tiszántúl) close to the Kavicsos road. Having finished the work an archaeological excavation began, led by Ibolya NEPPER, archaeologist of the Déry Museum of Debrecen in 1974. The graves date from the Avar period (8th century). They were mostly north-south and in some cases northwest-southeast and northeast-southwest orientated. The rate of disturbing was found to be almost 50 percent. The cemetery was rich in archaeological finds. The graves of two harnessed horses were also dug up (NEPPER 1982). The anthropological material of 139 graves was taken to the Department of Anthropology, József Attila University, Szeged. METHODS APPLIED The age at the time of death was determined on the basis of bone changes during life time (FARKAS 1972). Age groups were classified according to MARTIN & SALLER's categories (1957). Sexes were identified by the anatomical characteristics demonstrating sexual dimorphism. The cranial measurements were taken by MARTIN'S method (1928). The averages of measurements and indices (M), the range of variations (V m j n-V max ) and standard deviation (s) were also determined. DEBETS's categories were applied in the classification of anthropometrical characteristics (ALEXEEV & DEBETS 1964). LIPTÁK's taxonomical system (1954a, 1965, 1969) was used in the analysis of secondary taxonomical characteristics. Stature was determined by the method of BREITINGER (1938) and BACH (1965). Comparative examinations were carried out by the distance-calculations of PENROSE (1954), by applying ALEXEEVA's (1966) special indices and evaluating the secondary taxonomical analysis.
