Tapirid Phenotype - Face Features & Origin

Average Face

The Tapirid phenotype average face is a composite synthesized from multiple individual photographs by historical anthropologists. It represents a statistical impression of recurring facial features, not a real person.

Geographic Distribution

The Tapirid phenotype is native to Melanesia. The historical distribution below reflects approximate centers of prevalence documented roughly 1500 years ago; modern borders and population movements have since blurred these boundaries.

Approximate coordinates: -10.00°, 155.00° (latitude, longitude).

Physical Characteristics

Dark to medium brown, yellowish-reddish skin. Tight-curly or kinky brown-black, sometimes red or blonde hair. (Very) short, the Kimyal even shorter than Bambutids. Mesoskelic, mesomorph to ectomorph. Small-headed, meso- brachycephalic, orthocranic. Mesorrhine or mildly platyrrhine, fleshy, broad-backed, sometimes mildly convex nose. Mouth very large with a convex upper lip, ears short and broad.

Historical Background

Pygmy Melanesian type. In difference to many other Pygmies, it shares a common history with its taller neighbours and probably represents a secondary adaption driven by iodine deficiency. Typified by the now-gone Tapiro. Also in Pesechem, Goliath, Aiome, Afere, Baining, Mafulu, Yali, Kimyal, Mek, Ketengban, and Una. Occasionally in Vanuatu and the Bismarck Archipelago.

Source: Human Phenotypes — Tapirid

References & Literature

The Tapirid phenotype entry above is compiled from the following academic references. Readers are encouraged to consult the original sources for verification and deeper context.

• Wollaston, A.F.R. 1912, Pygmies & Papuans; the stone age to-day in Dutch New Guinea. Stugis & Walton Company. New York.
• R13
• Knussmann, R. 1996. Vergleichende Biologie des Menschen: Lehrbuch der Anthropologie und Humangenetik. 2ed. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag.
• Biasutti, R. 1967 (1941). Le Razze e i Popoli della terra. 4th Ed. Vol 1-4. U.T.E.T., Torino.
• Vallois, H. V. 1971. Las races humaines. 8 Ed. Grammont.
• Howells, W. W. 1970. Anthropometric Grouping Analysis of Pacific Peoples. Archaeology & Physical Anthropology in Oceania. 5, 3. 192-217.
• Speiser, F. 1938. Melanesien und Indonesien. Zeitschrift fuer Ethnologie. 70(6). Berlin.
• Lundman, B. 1967. Geographische Anthropologie. Rassen und Völker der Erde. G. Fischer, Stuttgart
• Turner, W. Bhils, Frontier Tribes of Burma, Pakkou Tribes. South Shan Tribes, Tibetans. Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh 49. 705-734.

Related Phenotypes

Other human phenotypes related to Tapirid by geography or typological similarity.

• Brachio Melanesid

  Melanesia

  Atypical brachycephalic Melanesid variety native to Melanesia and New Guinea. In its most pronounced form in the Kerewo of Goaribari Island ...

• Bukaid

  Melanesia

  Melanesid variety, associated with the ancient "Walzenbeil" culture. Has sometimes been described as bantuiform, although no close genetic r...

• Fijid

  Melanesia

  Polynesid-Melanesid contact type. The dominant type in the population of the Fiji Islands. Both elements have probably mixed in the zone for...

• Insular Melanesid

  Melanesia

  Melanesid proper, associated with many Austronesian speakers of Melanesia. Similar to Paleo Melanesid, but with softer features. Common in E...

• Mountain Melanesid

  Melanesia

  Melanesian mountain variety, relatively ancient with similarities to Paleo Melanesid. Found mainly among New Guinean highlanders like Dani, ...