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Biosocial aspects of Ainu hirsuteness

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

R. G. Harvey  and
D. R. Brothwell
R. G. Harvey
Affiliation:
British Museum (Natural History), London, S.W.7
D. R. Brothwell
Affiliation:
British Museum (Natural History), London, S.W.7
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Summary

There are as yet few studies of body hair variation in man. Of all human populations, the Ainu of Japan are most famous for their alleged hirsuteness, and the history of this somewhat controversial subject is reviewed. Data are presented on chest, back and facial hair pattern and quantity in a sample of Ainu and Ainu/Japanese hybrids, resulting initially from field work by the Cambridge Expedition to Northern Japan in 1964. Methodological problems are discussed. Social attitudes to hairiness in Japan over the past few centuries are commented on, in view of their possible relevance in maintaining the biological distinctiveness of the Ainu. It is concluded that although the Ainu have more body hair than other Japanese, compared with some other groups—for instance American ‘Whites’—they can not be considered exceptionally hirsute.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 1 , Issue 2 , April 1969 , pp. 109 - 124
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1969

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