ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the process of estimating adult stature from skeletal remains and comparing that estimation with antemortem height. The method of stature estimation from the skeleton is intuitive and obvious than the other principal approach. Estimating stature using a limb-bone length measurement in regression formula was developed by Pearson and was among the earliest if not the earliest use of regression in anthropology. There are two strategies to overcome the requirement for complete limb bones: estimating limb-bone length from fragmentary bones or using non-limb bones to estimate stature. In addition, whole-skeleton stature estimation should be more accurate than other techniques, even when there are anomalous numbers of vertebrae. Accurate antemortem stature records are critical for comparing stature estimations. Research in stature estimation during the next decade will improve statistical sophistication, employ additional elements, document age-related stature decrease, and employ imaging technologies, thus expanding many of the classic studies. The vast majority of current stature estimation techniques are for adults.
