Originally posted by Eki
Can you provide a link to an explanation?
A cephalic index is the ratio of the maximum width of the head to its maximum length, multiplied by 100. The measurement is taken at the top of the skull using calipers, I believe.
The higher numbers indicate a rounder head, i.e, when the width and length are nearly equal. Thus an index of 100 would indicate a round head.
Lower numbers indicate a longer, narrower skull.
Scores under 75 are considered dolichocephalic or "long headed."
Scores from 75-80 are mesocephalic or "medium headed."
A score of greater than 80 is considered brachycephalic or "short headed" (round headed).
Dolichocephaly is considered a "Nordic" trait, although it is also present in Mediterranean populations.
Fascinating map.
Your "tall, narrow-faced blond" would tend to the lower end of the cephalic index (under 75). A round-headed person (many orientals tend to round-headedness) would approach the higher end of the scale.
Looking at that map, however, it seems like the inverse of what one would expect of the typical cephalic index. An explanation would really help in understanding it.
Here is a brief explanation of the cephalic index.
Comment