Description
Ancient East Asian type that has mostly been restricted to Northern Japan (especially Hokkaido), Sakhalin, and the Kuril Islands in recent centuries. In prehistorical periods probably more widespread from Russia to Indonesia and even West Canada. Preserves many Proto Mongoloid traits of the Paleolithic, similar to Margids and Fuegids of America.
Almost extinct today or heavily admixed, because of Japanese colonisation of Hokkaido and assimilation policy in recent centuries. The Aoshima variety has survived into the 20th century. In prehistoric Japan other varieties existed, like a tall, robust Tsukumo type and a Miyato Island dwarf type that still appear mixed in the Japanese Chikuzen and Ishikawa types.
Historical Context
The Ainuid type represents one of the oldest populations of East Asia, predating later migrations that brought more typical Mongoloid features to the region. Their cultural and genetic heritage has been significantly impacted by Japanese expansion, particularly from the Meiji period onwards.
Physical Traits
Height: Short
Build: Thickset, robust
Skull: Long
Face: Robust structure
Eyes: Deep-set, without Mongolian fold
Skin: Fair
Hair texture: Wavy or curly
Body hair: Strong pilous growth
The Ainuid type is characterized by a short and thickset build with fair skin and robust facial structure. Notable features include deep-set eyes without the Mongolian fold typical of most East Asian populations, and wavy or curly hair rather than straight hair. Strong body hair growth (pilosity) is another distinguishing feature, contrasting with the generally low body hair of most East Asian populations. The long skull shape (dolichocephalic) and robust facial features preserve ancient characteristics from Paleolithic populations.
Literature References
The Ainuid type has been recognized under various names throughout anthropological literature, with particular attention given to the indigenous Ainu populations of Japan and surrounding regions.
- Desmoulins (1826) - Kourilienne
- Fischer (1830) - Homo curilanus
- Deniker (1889) - Aino
- Eickstedt (1937) - Ainuid
- Hooton (1946) - Ainu
- Coon et al. (1950) - Ainu
- Cheboksarov (1951) - Kurilian
- Eickstedt (1952) - Ainuid
- Cole (1965) - Ainu
- Biasutti (1967) - Ainu
- Lundman (1967) - Ainoid
- Vallois (1968) - Aïnou
- Debets (1974) - Ainu
- Vogel (1974) - Ainuid
- Alexeev (1979) - Ainu
- Lundman (1988) - Ainoida
- Knussmann (1996) - Ainuid
