Abstract

Nasal index is an ethnicity sensitive anthropometric index; it is one of the important anthropometric parameters for suggesting the race and sex of an individual whose identity is unknown. In the present study, authors have worked out nasal indices in subjects of Igbo, Yoruba and Ijaw ethnic groups. 750 subjects each of Igbo and Yoruba with 175 subjects of Ijaw ethnic groups were measured for nasal height (NH) and nasal breadth (NB). Then the nasal indices were calculated from the measurements. The results showed that on the average, the Igbos had a mean nasal index of 94.1± 0.37, Yorubas 89.2±0.30 and the Ijaws 96.37±1.06. Thus the Ijaws had a significantly higher nasal index (p<0.05) than either the Igbos or Yorubas. Sexual dimorphism was also observed in all the ethnic groups studied with males having significantly higher (p<0.05) nasal index than the females. However, the three ethnic groups still fall within the same nose type platyrrhine (short and broad nose) expected of an African population. The result of this study has confirmed anthropological differences amongst the three Nig-erian ethnic groups investigated.

Key words: Nasal indices, ethnic differences, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw.