An Evidence of Right-handedness found in a Protohistoric (Kofun Age) Skeletal Remain

In 1980, a young male skeletal remain was unearthed in a Protohistoric grave in Mibu, Tochigi Prefecture, East Japan (Fig. 1). The bones show commonly robust structure in compare with his moderate stature. A unilateral hypertrophy of the clavicle was seen in this skeleton, that is, the right clavicle is much thicker than the left (Fig. 2, 3) and those of the average Japanese males for comparison (Table 1). On the other hand, the left one is slightly thicker than, or as thick as, those. There is also a slight hypertrophy of the right bone in the scapula and the humerus (Table 1). In addition, a marked beveling of dorsal margin of the glenoid cavity (STEWART, 1979) and an expansion of the articular surface are seen only in the right scapula (Figs. 2, 3). No trace of disorder or fracture was seen in these bones. These facts indicate that the right shoulder was stronger and more mobile than the left one. Accordingly, this individual could be right-handed.