Boards and Cords
An Anthropological Study of Cranial Modification
Abstract
Archaeological evidence and ethnohistoric accounts document ancient groups from around the world intentionally binding their infants’ head in one of two manners. Soon after birth they would either strap hard, flat devices (e.g., boards) to both the front and back of the infant’s head, or wrap tight bandages (e.g., cords) around the head. The result is a permanently modified, adult head.
In Boards and Cords, bioarchaeologist and skeletal biologist, Tyler G. O’Brien, explores the long-practiced, biocultural phenomenon of intentional cranial modification via an anthropological lens. An introductory chapter offers briefly summarized answers to main questions often asked about cranial modification. The book then covers normal cranial growth and development to set the groundwork for understanding better how scientists interpret abnormally shaped pathological skulls from those that are modified. What follows is a thorough exploration of archaeological evidence and ethnohistoric accounts beginning with the earliest modified skulls, found at sites dating back 20,000 years, and continuing to today’s modern-day use of the cranial orthotic helmet as corrective treatment for infants with deformational plagiocephaly.
This book is a valuable multidisciplinary tool for the student and scholar who wants to read a global account of intentional cranial modification.
Schlagworte
ancient cranial modification ancient skull modification brains cranial modification head modification heads human brain human brains human head human heads human skull human skulls intentional cranial modification modifying heads modifying skulls skull skull modification- 17–24 The Skull 17–24
- 109–138 References 109–138
- 139–148 Index 139–148
- 149–150 About the Author 149–150