“Olmec” Head Shapes among the Preclassic Period Maya and Cultural Meanings

Abstract

This paper analyzes the biographical and related archaeological information of 10 artificially shaped skulls from the broader Maya area, which bear resemblance to the high and narrow head morphology depicted in Olmec art. The skeletal evidence of this head form, which was accomplished by combining compression cradleboards with constricting horizontal wraps (tabular erect type in its pseudo-circular variety), is rare and predates A.D. 250 in all cases. Here I compare the cranial vaults shaped in this fashion with that of 49 other Preclassic period Maya indivisuals from different parts of the Maya world. The discussion explores the possible evolving social and religious roles of this emblematic body modification. I argue that Olmecoid head modification was a syncretic cultural adoption, since it was just one of many expressions of a deeply embedded Preclassic tradition, still practiced centuries after the demise of Olman’s societies themselves. The visible effect of the artificial pear-shaped heads most likely reflected gradual shifting ideological schemes, probably emulating early versions of the Maya Maize God, given the resemblance to Preclassic period renderings of this supernatural force.

Maya Coastal Production, Exchange, Life Style, and Population Mobility: A View From the Port of Xcambo, Yucatan, Mexico

“…As we have argued elsewhere (García and Tiesler 2011;Tiesler 2010Tiesler , 2011Tiesler , 2012Tiesler , 2014Tiesler and Cucina 2010) that artificially produced head shapes constituted a widespread and highly visible body emblem of Maya group identification, especially during the Classic period, when culturally modified head forms reached a peak both in popularity and diversity. Unlike most other forms of body modification, cranial vault modeling bridges the generations, as it is performed by second-or third-generation adult practitioners on their infant kin who then carry the resulting artifical head shape for the remainder of their lives.…”

“…The skeletal analyses indicate a population that was on average slightly taller than most Maya inland groups, a tendency that has been associated with better nutritional conditions likely associated with greater marine protein intake, as evidenced by the large amount of terrestrial and marine skeletal remains encountered at the site (Sierra Sosa 2004;Tiesler 2001;Tiesler et al 2002). It is unmistakable that diet was fairly well balanced between carbohydrate and protein consumption, as the combined evidence of a high level of carious lesions and zooarchaeological remains indicate (Cucina et al 2011b;Götz 2006;Götz and Sierra 2012).…”

“…The site has been described as a salt production center and port (Sierra Sosa 2004). Explored intensively by the senior author of this paper, the settlement has been the object and focus of various interdisciplinary efforts (Ceballos 2003;Cetina and Sierra 2005;Cucina 2011;Cucina et al 2011aCucina et al , 2011bGötz and Sierra 2012;Jiménez 2002;Maggiano et al 2008;Méndez et al 2009;Peña and Sierra 2004;Quintal Avilés 2000;Sierra Sosa 1999a, 1999b, 2001Suzuki et al 2009;Tiesler et al 2002Tiesler et al , 2005Tiesler and Cucina 2010;Wanner et al 2007). The combined efforts of this research have granted novel insights on Xcambo's traders and local produce, along with the movements of goods to and from the site.…”

The Bioarchaeology of Artificial Cranial Modifications

“…Already among the Gulf Coast Olmecs, artificially contrived, pear-shaped head looks appear to be highlighted by shaving (Tiesler 2010). During the next millennium, Classic Maya small-scale portraiture still adheres to this morphological exaltation when representing strongly reclined heads partly or completely foliated.…”

“…Sometimes, the hand-crafted head shapes were further emphasized by specific hair arrangements or eye-catching headwear that drew attention to the permanently transformed organic substrate Stresser-Péan 2011, p. 136). Also in the Mesoamerican sphere, such head-formadapted headdresses were common among the Preclassic Olmec, Classic Mixtequilla people and Classic period Maya, as figurines and vase paintings testify (Acosta et al 1992;Cheetham 2008;Taube and Taube 2008;Tiesler 2010).…”