DERMATOGLYPHICS OF THE CHOROTE INDIANS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER INHABITANTS OF THE GRAN-CHACO

The present report deals with digital and palmar dermatoglyphics of a sample of 98 Chorote indians, collected in the north of Argentina, in the Gran Chaco region. Bimanual dimorphism was observed in males and f emales, both in finger and in palmar variables. Significant difference s between sexes appear only in digital ridge counts and in the combine d incidence of the four pattern types the Chorote, in general, show lo w sexual dimorphism. Univariate comparisons carried out with other tri bes of the Gran Chaco (Chiriguano, Pilaga, Mataco, and Toba) indicate statistically significant differences between these and the Chorote, b oth in males and females. The greatest differences were found in relat ion to the Mataco, who belong to the same linguistic family as the Cho rote. Probable explanations for these differences are proposed.