Abstract

The mapuche ethnic group is mainly distributed in the IX Region of Chile, with those individuals living in areas of the region's sea shore being further isolated from urban centres. Numerous aspects, including those that are ethnic stand out, and determine the shape of the head and the face and thus their indexes. An anthropometric investigation was realized in 50 male adult individuals, of the mapuche ethnic group, in reductions of the coastal area of the IX Region of Chile. Facial diameters were measured in them and their indexes were determined. The average nasiognation diameter was of 123,1 mm (DS 6,6), with superior limits of 147mm and inferior of 105mm. The average nasioalveolar diameter was of 67,6 mm (DS 4,1), with superior limits of 75mm and inferior 55mm. The total average facial index was of 85.82 (DS. 4.28), with a maximum 100 and minimum 75, determining mesoprosopic characteristics with a tendency toward euriprosopic. The average superior facial index was of 47.29 (DS. 4.28), with a maximum 54,7 and minimum38, with eurionic characteristics and a slight mesial tendency. The anatomical and anthropological information obtained, will contribute new knowledge to Biological and Physical Anthropology and to professionals in the health fields. © 2007 Sociedad Chilena de Anatom•br>.