The Pelves of Sunghir 1, 2, and 3

The pelvis forms the interface between the trunk and the lower limb, as well as supporting the pelvic viscera, and as such its size and morphology reflect a diversity of biological pressures. Aspects of the Sunghir pelvic remains relating to the assessment of sex (pubic morphology, greater sciatic notch shape) and age (auricular surface, epiphyses) are presented in chapter 6, and the features of the sacrum (and coccyx) that are more strictly axial are discussed in chapter 10. The discussion here is concerned with the overall configurations of the Sunghir pelvic remains and more detailed aspects related to function. Given the male sex of Sunghir 1 and the prepubescent ages of Sunghir 2 and 3, reproductive issues beyond those related to sex assessment are not relevant to these remains. Unfortunately, the pelvis for which comparative data and biomechanical models of function exist, that of the adult male Sunghir 1, is the least complete, sufficiently so as to prevent the articulation of the elements. In contrast, the two immature pelves are quite complete, despite problems with reassembly given their immature status. Yet assessing their proportions is inhibited by issues of growth and development. The pelvis of Sunghir 1, as with most of its trunk (chapter 10), suffered extensively from vertical compres­sion in situ. The pubic bones are absent, and the ilia and ischia sustained considerable damage, much of which has been restored in wax. For example, the left acetabular rim is largely intact, but the lunate surface and acetabular notch are blended together with wax, obscuring details. The sacrum retains neither of its alae intact to the auricular surface. The Sunghir 2 and 3 pelves, in contrast, are largely present, with varying degrees of edge damage and loss of the thinner cortical bone, especially within the iliac fossae of Sunghir 3. However, both pelves retain their more cranial sacra, at least one intact sacroiliac articulation, and variable portions of the ischia and pubic bones. The primary difficulties in assessing the Sunghir 2 and 3 pelves derive from their immature status.