A study published Wednesday claimed that an ancient Japanese culture used to intentionally deform the skulls of infants.
An 1,800-year-old cranium excavated from the Hirota site on Tanegashima Island, Japan, appears to show the culture intentionally deformed the back of infant’s heads, according to a study published in PLOS One. Researchers have long known about the deformation, but it was never clear whether they were intentional or caused by a behavioral, cultural, or other unknown factor, LiveScience noted.
The study analyzed 2D skull shapes and 3D scans of the bones, and compared the deformities to the skulls of other cultures around at the time, namely the Yayoi and Jomon populations. All groups were around at the same time. In the Hirota peoples, the skull deformities caused a slightly shortened head with a flattened back of the skull.
Hirota people of Japan intentionally deformed infant skulls 1,800 years ago https://t.co/2cgUbMX85p
— Live Science (@LiveScience) August 16, 2023
Analysis revealed the deformities to be purposeful. But the reason the Hirota people chose to do this is still unclear. It might have been to distinguish themselves from other groups, the researchers suggested.
The type of deformation is also notable in other ancient groups, such as the Huns, Maya, and some medieval women, LiveScience continued. In modern times, inhabitants of the Pacific nation of Vanuatu have their heads elongated to resemble one of their gods. Skull modifications have often been misconstrued as aliens, the outlet noted in another article.