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Using discriminant functions obtained from canine dimensions for sex estimation in human skeletons has frequently been proposed as a promising approach within assemblages, even when used in non-adult individuals. However, applicability of this method to adult and non-adult individuals from other assemblages was rarely investigated, probably due to frequently observed inter-population differences in tooth dimensions. In the present study, discriminant functions obtained for permanent canine dimensions at the cemento-enamel junction in a previous study of the early medieval assemblage from Greding, were applied to individuals from a late medieval Jewish cemetery at Erfurt, Germany. The results were validated by aDNA analyses. Prior to the application of the functions, canine dimensions of the assemblages were compared. The comparison showed largely corresponding canine dimensions between the two assemblages. The application of the formulae obtained on the early medieval assemblage to the late medieval assemblage at Erfurt revealed a 100 % correct classification rate in the adult individuals. In non-adults, the correct classification rate was poorer, with 7 of 9 (77.8 %) individuals correctly classified. The study showed that the application of discriminant functions for sex estimation from canine measurements to assemblages other than those for which the functions were developed can lead to high correct classification rates in adults if the average canine dimensions are similar in the respective assemblages. An application to non-adult individuals should only be made with caution as canine dimensions in the "non-survivors" can lead to an over-estimation of the proportion of female non-adults.

About 100 hominin bones were found during excavations at the Liang Bua cave on the island of Flores, Indonesia. More than 60 of them were assigned to the partial skeleton LB1 which was designated as the holotype of a new species, Homo floresiensis. Analyses of skeletal proportions of LB1 led to the conclusion that its foot was exceptionally long relative to femur and tibia, respectively. This ratio was considered a unique feature that contributes to the definition of the new species. The published illustrations of the in situ-situation and the published inventory of the bones suggest a high degree of commingling rather than the presence of larger anatomically joining units that was asserted in the publications on the findings. The available information further suggests that hand and foot bones of several individuals were found commingled as well. Here I argue, based on the published data, that certain problems exist regarding the correct anatomical identification of some of the phalangeal bones that contributed to the results on which the conclusions about skeletal proportions in LB1 were based. It is further suggested that the assignment of bones to specific individuals is debatable. Conclusions on the taxonomic status of the Liang Bua hominins and their pattern of bipedalism based on these data therefore need to be substantiated by further studies. Specifically, on the basis of the available information, a large relative foot length should no longer be claimed as a unique feature of the presumed new species H. floresiensis.

The landscape at central Rhine and Mosel is one of the most famous archaeological sites in middle Europe. A layer of pumicetufa from the eruption of the lake Laacher volcano 13,000 years B.P. is an important mark which approximately divides the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic period. Although numerous excavations in this area have been carried out, quaternary hominid remains are quite rare. A few short notes from the early 1920s reports of human bones "below the pumice, in Weissenthurm, District Mayen-Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate". However, these remains were probably destroyed in the Second World War in Munich on April 25, 1944. Recently, some new information has appeared on the discovery and the whereabouts of these fragments. The chronological classification of the Weissenthurm-hominid into the Pleistocene based on this information remains uncertain.

The following case report describes in detail a 57 years old (+/- 5 years) male individual from a Franconian graveyard in Insheim, Province of Rhineland-Palatinate, dating to between the 6th and 7th century A.D. The individual displays a number of unusual pathologies. The atlas shows a complete aplasia of the posterior arch, probably resulting in a torticollis. The changed static induced a massive spondylar-arthrotic degeneration of the cervical spine on the right-lateral portion. On the fronto-parietal section two fractures are visible which were caused by a sharp and violent force. The area in question measures 7 by 10 cm. It has healed in a dislocated position. The second location displays marks of a 6 cm long sword-cut which did strike the skull obtusely on the left parietal. In addition to the above the skull displays on its right side a great number of small circular hole defects which also appear on ribs, vertebrae, clavicula and the mandible. They present the typical picture of a plasmocytoma. As an expression of a secondary hyperparathyreoidism one can recognize ossifications of soft tissue on the calcaneus, tibia, fibula and patella as well as intravital loss of mandibular dentition. It is quite remarkable that the individual reached a relative old age despite of his numerous and serious physical encroachments due to the apparent and obvious intentions of his aggressive contemporaries to kill him.