The Astonishing Skull: Unveiling a Cranial Disfiguration from Ancient Mexico
It is an astonishing image that could have come straight from the plot of a Ridley Scott movie. Archaeologists in Mexico today revealed the astonishing skull of a person suffering from a cranial disfiguration believed to be 1,000 years old. The find was made near the small Mexican village of Onavas.
Unearthing Ancient Secrets: A Unique Skull with Cranial Deformation
The discovery showcases a skull with a peculiar cranial disfiguration, reminiscent of the Alien in Ridley Scott’s film. This finding is believed to be the first in the region that demonstrates the practice of intentionally binding a skull to alter its shape. According to archaeologist Cristina Garcia Moreno, director of the research project, cranial deformation in Mesoamerican cultures served both social differentiation and ritual purposes.
A Blend of Traditions: Insights into Northern Mexico’s Diverse Groups
This extraordinary find provides evidence of a fusion of traditions from various groups in northern Mexico. The presence of ornaments made from sea shells originating from the Gulf of California, previously unseen in Sonoran territory, expands the known influence of Mesoamerican peoples farther north. The burial site contained 25 individuals, and 13 of them displayed intentional cranial deformation, offering a glimpse into the cultural practices of the past.
Discovering Rituals: Dental Mutilation as a Rite of Passage
In addition to cranial deformation, dental disfigurements were found in several of the skulls. These dental mutilations are believed to have served as a rite of passage, particularly in cultures like the Nayarit. The Sonora cemetery revealed that all five bodies with dental mutilation were over 12 years of age, further supporting this interpretation.
Ancient Traditions and Risks: The Intricate Art of Cranial Deformation
Cranial deformation, also known as head binding or head flattening, was a practice commonly used to signify group affiliation or social status. It involved applying pressure to an infant’s skull using wooden boards, starting at around one month old and continuing for the next six months. However, this method was exceptionally hazardous, as evidenced by the high mortality rate among individuals with disfigured skulls, many of whom died at a young age due to the extreme force exerted on their skulls.
Unanswered Questions: Unraveling the Enigma
Despite the discoveries, some mysteries persist. The researchers have been unable to identify social differences among the burials or determine why some individuals were adorned with ornaments while others were not. Furthermore, out of the 25 skeletons found, only one was female. The team speculates that the significant number of infants and pre-pubescents with cranial deformation suggests the perilous nature of the practice, which could prove fatal due to excessive skull compression.
A Glimpse into the Past: Dating and Significance
The find has been dated to the year 943 CE based on samples taken from one of the individuals. The skulls displaying signs of cranial or dental mutilation reveal intriguing insights into the ancient practices and beliefs of the people who inhabited the region during that time.
The astonishing skull discovered near the village of Onavas brings to light a fascinating chapter in Mexico’s ancient history. It serves as a tangible link to the customs and rituals of Mesoamerican cultures, reminding us of the complex tapestry of human experiences that have shaped our world.
