The sociopolitical history and physiological underpinnings of skull deformation

Abstract

<jats:p>In this report, the evidence, mechanisms, and rationale for the practice of artificial cranial deformation (ACD) in ancient Peru and during Akhenaten's reign in the 18th dynasty in Egypt (1375–1358 BCE) are reviewed. The authors argue that insufficient attention has been given to the sociopolitical implications of the practice in both regions. While evidence from ancient Peru is widespread and complex, there are comparatively fewer examples of deformed crania from the period of Akhenaten's rule. Nevertheless, Akhenaten's own deformity, the skull of the so-called “Younger Lady” mummy, and Tutankhamen's skull all evince some degree of plagiocephaly, suggesting the need for further research using evidence from depictions of the royal family in reliefs and busts. Following the anthropological review, a neurosurgical focus is directed to instances of plagiocephaly in modern medicine, with special attention to the conditions' etiology, consequences, and treatment. Novel clinical studies on varying modes of treatment will also be studied, together forming a comprehensive review of ACD, both in the past and present.</jats:p>

Positional plagiocephaly: an analysis of the literature on the effectiveness of current guidelines

“…3,6,23,39,51 Some reports have pointed to poor knowledge and awareness of the condition in parents with lower education levels. 9,60,68 There is also a question of whether some parents may be refusing recommendations because of misconceptions.…”

“…In ancient periods and cultures, certain practices to deliberately deform an infant's skull were a norm and part of social status. 3,39 Brachycephaly, the condition in which there is entire flattening of the occiput, is customarily found in many Asian countries where infants traditionally sleep in the supine position. 23,39 The cephalic index, or the ratio of the width of the head to its length, has been reported to be as high as 91% in Japan's and Korea's schoolchildren.…”

Reconsidering the Issue of Eastern Migrations in Connection with the Artificial Cranial Deformation Practices among the Late Sarmatians

“…In order to summarize all of the above reflections, one should recognize that head deformation was used as a marker of social difference in status at least for the early period of history. Some scientists believe that deliberate skull deformation is a result not only of the structural complication of the society, but also a component of the social distinction (status and/or belonging to an ethnic group), that is an indicator of a group membership (Dingwall 1931;Garrett 1988: 17;Gerszten 1993;Molleson and Campbell 1995: 50, 52;Boada Rivas 1995: 144;Ortner 2003;Munizaga 1987Munizaga , 1992Torres-Rouff 2002Lorentz 2003;Schijman 2005;Ayer et al 2010). In this respect, the conversation between a Maya and an early Spanish missionary who asked about the meaning of the custom looks interesting.…”

“…Possible motivations of the custom of artificial head deformation among different peoples are given in the works of Russian and foreign scientists. There are also evidences about cultures in which the cranial modification was applied either to women or to men, for example in the American Choctaw, Kedo and Chinook peoples; or to individual estate groups, mainly to the aristocracy (Hippocrates 1994: 279-306: Ratzel 1903Ozbek 1974: 470;Meiklejohn et al 1992: 89;Mu-nizaga 1987;Hoshower et al 1995;Loginov 1998: 279, 629;O'Loughlin 2004;Torres-Rouff 2002Ayer et al 2010).…”

Orthotic (helmet) therapy in the treatment of plagiocephaly

“…These devices were first described in the scientific literature by Clarren et al in 1979. 4 However, the idea of using artificial cranial deformation was conceived at least 30,000 years ago in ancient Peru, 2 where infant skulls were artificially shaped using external compression with fixed boards and pads 2 or ritual head wrapping. 25 Modern-day cranial orthotic devices use that same principle.…”