Welcome back to the Human Evolution Lab, where we delve into fascinating aspects of our past with Dr. Robert Martin, curator emeritus of human evolution at the Field Museum. Today, we explore the intriguing practice of artificial head binding in ancient Egypt.
Artificial head binding is a cultural tradition where a baby’s skull is intentionally shaped by binding it from birth. This process can involve placing a band across the crown or from front to back. The skull of a newborn is quite flexible for the first few years, allowing it to be molded into a permanent shape, resulting in a unique appearance.
The reason this practice is possible lies in the nature of a newborn’s skull. Before birth, the skull has gaps known as fontanelles, which provide the necessary flexibility for the baby to pass through the birth canal. This flexibility is crucial because human infants have relatively large brains.
One might wonder if altering the skull’s shape affects fetal development negatively. Fortunately, as long as the skull’s volume remains unchanged, there are no known adverse effects. The practice seems to be safe for the baby’s development as it only changes the shape, not the volume.
This practice is notably associated with historical figures like King Tutankhamun. Dr. Martin and his colleague, JP Brown, conducted CAT scans on several Egyptian mummies and discovered evidence of artificial cranial deformation in King Tut’s skull, which features a distinctive saddle-shaped depression. Interestingly, his father, Akhenaten, his wife, Nefertiti, and their daughters also exhibited similar head shapes.
Despite its prevalence, there is a scarcity of written records about this practice among the elite. Dr. Martin suggests that it was likely kept secret to maintain a small group of individuals with a distinct head shape, as public knowledge could have compromised its purpose.
As an anthropologist, Dr. Martin finds it intriguing that many cultures independently adopted head binding. One possible influence is cradleboarding, where babies are carried strapped to a board, sometimes leading to unintentional head shaping. However, the symmetrical shapes seen in cases like King Tut’s suggest a deliberate effort to achieve a specific appearance.
Some speculate about extraterrestrial influences on head shapes, especially with extreme examples from places like Peru. Dr. Martin acknowledges the unusual skulls from regions like Nazca and Paracas that have fueled such theories. However, he advises skepticism, as claims about alien connections often lack scientific evidence. For instance, recent claims of DNA extraction from Nazca skulls have not been published in reputable journals.
The Brain Scoop is made possible by the Field Museum and the Harris Family Foundation.
Engage in a hands-on activity where you simulate the process of artificial head binding using clay models. Create a model of a newborn’s skull and experiment with different binding techniques to observe how the shape changes over time. Discuss with your peers how these changes might have been perceived in ancient cultures.
Participate in a debate about the ethical implications of artificial head binding. Divide into groups and argue for or against the practice, considering historical context, cultural significance, and modern ethical standards. Reflect on how cultural practices are viewed differently across time and societies.
Research another culture that practiced head binding and prepare a presentation. Compare and contrast the methods, purposes, and societal impacts of head binding in that culture with those in ancient Egypt. Share your findings with the class to broaden the understanding of this practice’s global reach.
Analyze a scientific claim related to head binding, such as the extraterrestrial influence theory. Evaluate the evidence presented, identify any biases, and discuss the importance of scientific skepticism. Present your analysis in a written report, highlighting the need for credible sources and peer-reviewed research.
Take a virtual tour of a museum exhibit featuring Egyptian mummies, focusing on those with evidence of artificial cranial deformation. Observe the skull shapes and learn about the historical figures associated with this practice. Reflect on how these findings contribute to our understanding of ancient Egyptian society.
We’re back in the Human Evolution Lab with Dr. Robert Martin, curator emeritus of human evolution at the Field Museum. Today, we’re discussing artificial head binding in ancient Egypt.
Dr. Martin, could you explain what artificial head binding is?
Certainly! Artificial head binding is a cultural practice where the skull of a baby is deliberately shaped through binding from birth. This can involve placing a band across the crown or from front to back. The baby’s skull is flexible for the first couple of years, but once it settles, the shape is permanent, creating a distinctive appearance.
Is this possible because the cranial bones of a newborn are not yet fused?
Exactly! Before birth, humans have gaps in the skull called fontanelles, which allow for flexibility during birth. This flexibility is crucial because human babies have large brains and must navigate the birth canal.
Does this practice impact fetal development in any negative way?
As long as the volume of the skull isn’t reduced, there are no known negative effects. Changing the shape without altering the volume seems to be safe for the baby’s development.
It’s fascinating that this practice is associated with historical figures like King Tut. Evidence suggests he experienced cranial deformation. Can you elaborate on that?
Yes, my colleague JP Brown and I conducted CAT scans on several Egyptian mummies. We found clear evidence of artificial cranial deformation in King Tut’s skull, which has a distinctive saddle-shaped depression. Interestingly, his father, Akhenaten, and his wife, Nefertiti, also had similar head shapes, as did their daughters.
Why do you think there isn’t more written evidence about this practice among the elite?
I believe it was done in secrecy. The aim was to create a small group of people with a distinct head shape, and public knowledge of the practice would undermine its purpose.
As an anthropologist, what intrigues you about the prevalence of head binding across different cultures?
It’s interesting that many cultures independently adopted this practice. One possible influence is cradleboarding, where babies are carried strapped to a board, which can lead to unintentional head shaping. However, the symmetrical shapes seen in cases like King Tut’s skull suggest a deliberate effort to achieve a specific appearance.
Some people speculate about extraterrestrial influences on head shapes, especially with extreme examples from places like Peru. What are your thoughts on that?
There are indeed unusual skulls from regions like Nazca and Paracas that have fueled such theories. However, claims about alien connections often lack scientific backing. For example, recent claims of DNA extraction from Nazca skulls haven’t been published in reputable journals, so it’s best to approach such assertions with skepticism.
The Brain Scoop is made possible by the Field Museum and the Harris Family Foundation.
Artificial – Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, often as a copy of something natural. – In anthropology, the study of artificial cranial deformation reveals how certain cultures intentionally altered the shape of the skull for aesthetic or social reasons.
Head – The upper part of the human body, or the front or upper part of the body of an animal, typically separated from the rest of the body by a neck, and containing the brain, mouth, and sense organs. – The head of the statue found in the ancient ruins provided significant insights into the artistic styles of the civilization.
Binding – The action of fastening or securing something with a band or cord. – The practice of foot binding in historical China is a significant topic of study in anthropology, illustrating cultural standards of beauty and gender roles.
Egypt – A country in northeastern Africa, known for its ancient civilization and some of the world’s most famous monuments, including the Giza pyramids and the Great Sphinx. – The study of ancient Egypt provides valuable insights into early state formation, religion, and monumental architecture.
Skull – The bony structure that forms the head in vertebrates, enclosing the brain and supporting the structures of the face. – Examination of Neanderthal skulls has provided anthropologists with crucial information about human evolution and adaptation.
Flexibility – The quality of bending easily without breaking, often used metaphorically to describe adaptability in cultural practices. – Cultural flexibility is a key concept in anthropology, highlighting how societies adapt their traditions in response to changing environments and interactions.
Development – The process of developing or being developed, such as the growth and advancement of societies and cultures over time. – The development of agriculture was a pivotal moment in human history, leading to the establishment of permanent settlements and complex societies.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Understanding the history of trade routes can illuminate the cultural exchanges and economic interactions between ancient civilizations.
Culture – The social behavior and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups. – Anthropologists study culture to understand the diverse ways in which human societies organize themselves and interact with their environments.
Anthropology – The study of human societies and cultures and their development. – Anthropology provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing the complexities of human behavior and cultural diversity across the globe.
