Male representative of Fezzanid
Male
Female representative of Fezzanid
Female

Description

Saharan type combining ancient elements including Berberid with sub-Saharan elements that often entered the region during the Middle Ages. Common in Fezzanesi of South Libya, the Iravellan caste of Tuaregs, and even Haratins. Today also found in some Arma and Songhai of Mali, a result of Berber invasions. Across the Maghreb the result of Tuareg migrations and historic slave trade.

Physical Traits

Height: Medium Build: Brachyskelic, ectomorph Skull: Dolichocephalic, orthocranic Face: Flat and wide, very weak or absent prognathy Nose: Mildly platyrrhine, relatively high Skin: Light to dark brown Hair texture: Curly to kinky

Light to dark brown skin, curly to kinky hair. Medium height, brachyskelic, ectomorph. Dolichocephalic, orthocranic. Mildly platyrrhine, relatively high nose. Faces tend to be flat and wide, prognathy very weak or absent. Occasional epicanthic folds may give a pseudo-Mongoloid impression. Mouth large with medium-thick lips.

Geographic Distribution

Distribution map showing areas where Fezzanid is found
Distribution map circa 1500 CE. Yellow: common, Dark yellow: occasional, Black: rare
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Literature References

Biasutti (1935, 1967) defined and named the type. Fleischhacker (1976) notes Fezzanese as a unique contact group. Similar types were reported in the Tuareg by Alcobé y Noguer (1952) and by Eickstedt (1934) in the Arma and the Maghreb (Lundman, 1967).

Similar Types