In many American groups the orbits are notoriously variable, yet their
mean dimensions and index are of value.
The Eskimo orbits have long been known for their ample proportions.
Their mean height and breadth are larger than those of any other
known people and the excess is especially apparent when proportioned
to stature. Taking the family as a whole, the mean height of the two
orbits in males averages approximately 3.64 centimeters, the mean
breadth 4.03 centimeters; while the males of 23 Algonquian tribes give
for the same items 3.42 and 3.93, and those of 12 Siouan tribes 3.58
and 3.96 centimeters.
The general averages for the female Eskimo approach for orbital height
3.52 centimeters, for breadth 3.89 centimeters, dimensions which also
surpass those in the females of any other known human group.
These large dimensions of the Eskimo orbit are, however, on closer
examination into the matter, found not to be racial characters except
in a secondary way. They are the direct consequence of the high and
broad face. The correlation of the orbital height and breadth with the
height and breadth of the face are shown by the following figures.
These figures indicate also some additional details of interest.