Why is the cube-like shape of the skull surprising scientists?
Generally in ancient civilizations there was a trend to make the head long or cone shaped. Such skulls look like aliens. They were made longer by tying them with cloth or straps. But this relic found in Balcón de Montezuma is completely different. Biological anthropologist Jesus Ernesto Velasco Gonzalez said that the upper part of this person’s head had been flattened. This gave his skull a square or cube like look.
- Experts are calling it ‘Parallelepiped’ shape. It seems that pressure may have been applied by placing soft padding on the back and front of the head. This kind of ‘erect’ modification had never been seen before in this area.
- Since people with this type of flat skull were often found in Veracruz or the Maya region. Therefore, scientists felt that this person might have come from outside. To know the truth, researchers conducted a special test. He examined the chemistry of bones and teeth. The investigation made shocking revelations.
- This person did not come from any other place. He was born in this area. He spent his entire life here and died here also. This means that this practice of shaping the head was also adopted at the local level. Even though it was very rare at that time.
- Researchers have not yet been able to find out why this person’s head was given such a strange shape. In many parts of Mesoamerica, different head shapes were used to identify different cultural groups. This could have been a way of showing a particular clan or status.
Scientists estimate that even if this person was local. But it may be possible that the people who buried his head were influenced by a different cultural group. This work was done in childhood itself when the bones were soft. ‘National Institute of Anthropology and History’ (INAH) says that the investigation of old things is still going on. This will give us more information about the people of that period.
This man’s skull (shown here from behind in a photo and 3D scan and point cloud) was flattened on top, giving it the appearance of a cube. (Photo: INAH; Technical Archive of the Physical Anthropology Section of CINAH Tamaulipas)
Explainer: What is cranial modification?
Beginning in childhood: This process was started when the child was very small. At that time the bones of the head are very soft and can be bent easily.
How to do: Wooden boards, clothes or ropes were tied tightly around the head. It was kept like this for months or years.
What was the purpose: It was often considered a measure of beauty. Sometimes this was also done to mark high status in the society or to identify a particular clan.
Effect on brain: Scientists believe that this changed the shape of the head, but it did not have any adverse effect on the mental capacity or intelligence of the person.
Balcón de Montezuma is a major archaeological site located in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. This place situated in the hills of Sierra Madre is known for its ancient circular stone structures. Civilization flourished here between 400 and 1200 AD. Recently, the 1400 year old ‘square skull’ found here has made it a topic of discussion across the world. (Photo: INAH)
Balcón de Montezuma has its own special history
The place where this skull was found has its own history. Balcón de Montezuma is located in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Many different groups lived here between 650 BC and 1200 AD. A village was settled here around 400 AD. There were about 90 circular houses in it. Artefacts and bones are often found during excavations here. But finding a cube shaped skull is a first in itself. This discovery shows to what extent man could go to change his physical appearance in ancient times.
