SECULAR TREND IN THE STATURE OF HUMAN SKELETONS FROM THE LOWER CHUBUT RIVER VALLEY AND THE CENTRAL-NORTHERN COAST (ARGENTINIAN PATAGONIA) DURING THE LATE HOLOCENE

This work analyzes and discusses the temporal trend of the stature in 65 male and female human skeletons of the lower Valley of the Chubut River and the central-northern coast of Patagonia. The sample covers a time range between 2600 BP and 200 BP. The results indicate high average statures (170,62 cm in males, 164,07 cm in females) sustained through the time, and an increase in sexual dimorphism after 1000 BP. It is hypothesized that the increase in sexual dimorphism would have been linked with a more rich and complete diet with respect the preceding period.