"Unlocking Ancient Secrets: The Fascinating History of Artificial Head Binding in Egypt"

We're exploring a fascinating topic with Dr. Robert Martin, curator emeritus of human evolution, discussing artificial head binding in ancient Egypt.

What Is Artificial Head Binding?

Artificial head binding is a practice where the skulls of infants are intentionally shaped by binding or molding them in specific ways. Dr. Martin explains that the process usually begins shortly after birth when the skull bones are still soft and flexible, thanks to the presence of fontanelles—gaps in the cranial bones that allow for flexibility during birth and early development. These gaps gradually close as the child grows, resulting in a fixed head shape that persists throughout life.

Artificial head binding is a cultural practice that has been observed in various societies throughout history, typically among the elite or certain social groups. In ancient Egypt, it seems to have been a way to create distinctive head shapes among specific individuals, possibly for aesthetic, religious, or societal reasons.

The Process and Its Impact

Dr. Martin describes how head binding is achieved by tightly wrapping a band around the baby's head, either across the crown or from front to back. This practice doesn't affect brain development as long as the overall volume of the skull isn't reduced. If the volume is maintained, the only change is the external shape of the head. This is why, according to Dr. Martin, there are no known adverse effects on cognitive development from head binding.

Historical Examples: King Tut and Akhenaten

One of the most well-known examples of artificial cranial deformation is King Tutankhamun, or King Tut. Evidence suggests that his skull had undergone deformation, which was confirmed through CAT scans and 3D reconstructions. Dr. Martin points out that King Tut's father, Akhenaten, and his mother, Nefertiti, also had similar skull shapes. This distinctive cranial feature was common among their descendants, indicating a possible family tradition or ritualistic practice.

The Mystery of Secrecy and Cultural Practices

Despite evidence of cranial deformation in ancient Egypt, there are no written records explicitly describing the practice. Dr. Martin speculates that this was done in secret to maintain the exclusivity and mystery surrounding the elite groups who practiced it. By keeping the practice private, the distinctive head shapes would create a unique appearance, distinguishing them from others.

Cultural Connections and Speculations

Artificial head binding is not exclusive to ancient Egypt; it has been observed in other cultures worldwide, such as in Peru among the Nazca people. This has led to various speculations and even conspiracy theories about extraterrestrial influences due to the extreme head shapes and the famous Nazca Lines. However, Dr. Martin cautions against taking these claims too seriously, especially when there's no reputable scientific evidence to support them.

The most likely explanation for the spread of artificial cranial deformation is cultural exchange and the influence of cradle boarding—carrying babies strapped to a board, which can unintentionally create head deformation. From there, societies could have deliberately pursued specific head shapes for cultural or religious reasons.

Conclusion

Artificial head binding is a captivating topic that opens the door to understanding cultural practices and societal distinctions in ancient Egypt and beyond. As research continues, we may uncover more about the reasons behind this practice and its impact on those who underwent it.

The Brain Scoop, brought to you by the Field Museum and the Harris Family Foundation, explores these and other intriguing topics in human history and evolution. Stay tuned for more fascinating insights into our ancient past!