Key Object Page

Artificial Cranial Deformation

This skull has what is known as artificial cranial deformation. This deformation is a type of body alteration in which a skull is intentionally modified or deformed. The skull comes from an indigenous South American Male. This type of alteration is carried out during infancy, by binding a flat board against the forehead and the back of the neck of the child. As the child grows, the skull grows in the direction of the binding, creating the deformation. Fortunately for the child the deformation of the skull in this way does not affect their mental capacity nor does it prevent physical growth. The jawbone and other facial bones were correctly formed on this skull, illustrating that there was no issues during skull development.