RSU Researchers Continue Jēkabs Prīmanis' Anthropological Studies in Bauska and Mežotne
A team from Rīga Stradiņš University is conducting anthropological measurements at Bauska primary school until July 5 and previously at Mežotne Castle, continuing the 1930s research that includes DNA samples and 3D scanning.
Researchers from Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) are spending a week this summer conducting anthropological measurements at Mežotne Castle and Bauska primary school. The project is a continuation of Jēkabs Prīmanis' study of Latvia's population, initiated in the 1930s. Participants undergo height and weight measurements, medical tests, blood sampling for DNA analysis, and 3D scanning.
Until July 5, the team is working at Bauska primary school; previously, on June 29 and 30, they were at Mežotne Castle, where 25 people participated. The first day in Bauska had fewer participants, but interest grew on the second day. Participant Līga Brice, accompanied by her daughter Baiba Jirgensone, found the process fascinating.
RSU lecturer Lāsma Asare explained that historical forms – yellow for men, pinkish for women – were digitized in 2023. The data, written in pencil, survived through the years. Forms contained codes for eye color, weight in kilograms, pounds, and poods, as well as information about marriages and children.
Professor Jānis Vētra noted that unlike the 1930s, it is now pointless to repeat the old route as many farmsteads no longer exist. Future plans include visiting areas previously studied by Prīmanis and possibly finding descendants of the Curonian Kings. Researchers hope to compare data to determine if modern people have more excess weight.
DNA studies will begin next year, combining data from Latgale and Selonia. Already, it appears that many participants' arm spans do not match Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man proportions – arms are longer. Results are to be presented to residents of Bauska region next year.
