Physical characteristics of middle-aged and elderly Yao population in Jinxiu Dayao Mountains, Guangxi, China

莫再美1蒋宇聪1覃天成1*曾婧华2雷思1

doi:10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2026.04.012

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Acta Anatomica Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 57 ›› Issue (4) : 484-495. DOI: 10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2026.04.012

Anthropolpgy

Physical characteristics of middle-aged and elderly Yao population in Jinxiu Dayao Mountains, Guangxi, China

MO Zai-mei¹, JIANG Yu-cong¹, QIN Tian-cheng^1*, ZENG Jing-hua², LEI Si¹

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Abstract

Objective To update anthropometric records of the Guangxi Yao population, and provide novel data to inform investigations into the ethnic origin of this population. Methods From June to July 2025, the research team conducted a field investigation in Dayao Mountains, Jinxiu Yao Autonomous County, Laibin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Following the anthropometric method, 31 physical indices and 7 observational indices were analyzed in 150 individuals of the Yao population (76 males and 74 females), and 14 physical indexes were calculated. Data analysis was conducted useing the analysis of variance, u-test, chi-square test, cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Results In the middle-aged Yao population, significant sex differences were detected in 22 indices and 1 index (P<0.05), while R32；Q984in the elderly Yao population, significant sex differences were observed in 22 indices and 3 indexes (P<0.05). In male Yao population, significant age differences were found in 7 indices and 2 indexes between the middle-aged and elderly groups; In female Yao population, significant age differences existed in 13 indices and 5 indexes between the middle-aged and elderly groups. In the overall Yao population, significant sex differences were noted in 3 indexes. According to cephalofacial and body classifications, both males and females in the Yao population were predominantly characterized by brachycephaly, orthocephaly, tapeinocephalic, mesorrhiny, long trunk, mesatiskelic type, wide chest, narrow shoulder, and low stature. Sex differences were observed in the stature-crista iliaca index and morphological facial index; males mainly presented medium crista iliaca and mesoprosopy, whereas females mainly exhibited wide crista iliaca and leptoprosopy. Conclusion The Yao population in Dayao mountain exhibits southern-type anthropological characteristics and may share closer affinity with the Guangxi Miao, Guangxi Dong, and Guizhou Shui populations based on head facial and body characteristics.

Key words

Dayao mountain

/ Yao / Physical characteristics / Head and face feature / Physical measurement / Adult

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MO Zai-mei , JIANG Yu-cong , QIN Tian-cheng , ZENG Jing-hua , LEI Si.

Physical characteristics of middle-aged and elderly Yao population in Jinxiu Dayao Mountains, Guangxi, China

[J]. Acta Anatomica Sinica. 2026, 57(4): 484-495 https://doi.org/10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2026.04.012

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