Abstract: The dermatoglyphic parameters of 900 samples of the Wa Nationality in Yunnan were determined and compared with those of the Han Nationality and Caucasians. It is suggested that the dermatoglyphic parameters of Wa people have both their own features and general characters of the Mongolians. Low Furuhata Index (finger patterns W to L ratio, 0. 65: 1 for males and 0. 58: 1 for females) , low frequency of persons with Simian line (2. 60% for males and 2. 00% for females) and big mean atd augle (41. 79±4. 50 for males and 43. 05±4. 41 for females) are marked features of Wa people. The mean atd angles and TPD values of children at the age of 11 to 14 years tended to increase with age, but irregular changes of those from 15 to 18 age group were found.

Key words: Wa Nationality; Dermatoglyphic parameter