A Comparison of Slovakian Haban Populations Using Finger Ridge-Count Data

The present study has attempted to explore the relationship among three Slovakian Haban populations with other Central European populations using finger ridge-count data. A multivariate approach to the analysis of finger-ridge count data allows for the study of population relationships using R-matrix calculations. Historical and ethnographic evidence suggests that the Haban populations have remained somewhat isolated from the larger Slovak communities and have maintained their cultural identity as descendents of Hutterite populations. The finger-ridge analysis suggests that in fact the Habans have remained isolated from the broader Central European population. It also appears that genetic drift has played a significant role the history of these populations and that because of drift Fig. 2. Dendrogram of 8 populations based on the distance matrix (Co-phenetic correlation 0.88). Sobotiste