Why did King Tut have a flat head?

In the dimly lit chambers of the Human Evolution Lab, nestled within the prestigious confines of the Field Museum, Dr. Robert Martin, curator emeritus of human evolution, stands amidst a trove of ancient artifacts and skeletal remains. Today, the focus of his scholarly gaze is the intriguing phenomenon of artificial head binding in ancient Egypt – a practice both enigmatic and emblematic of the cultural tapestry of antiquity.

With a scholar's gravitas, Dr. Martin elucidates the intricacies of this centuries-old tradition. Artificial head binding, he explains, was a meticulously orchestrated process aimed at reshaping the cranial contours of newborns, imbuing them with a distinct physiognomy that would endure a lifetime. This practice, he notes, was not the domain of the masses but rather the hallmark of elites and those of privileged status within ancient Egyptian society.

The key to this transformative endeavor lies in the remarkable flexibility of an infant's skull, Dr. Martin expounds. Unlike the rigid cranial structure of adults, the skull of a newborn is a pliable canvas, its bones not yet fused together. This inherent plasticity allows for the deliberate manipulation of its shape through the application of tightly bound wrappings, a process commenced shortly after birth and continued for an extended period.

As Dr. Martin delves deeper into the intricacies of artificial head binding, the discussion inevitably turns to one of history's most iconic figures: King Tutankhamun. Through the meticulous application of modern imaging technologies, Dr. Martin and his esteemed colleague, JP Brown, have uncovered compelling evidence of cranial deformation in the famed pharaoh. Yet, King Tut was but one luminary amidst a constellation of similarly adorned ancestors and successors within the Egyptian royal lineage. This familial pattern hints at a deeply ingrained tradition, perhaps shrouded in secrecy to maintain the aura of distinction and divinity surrounding the ruling class.

But artificial head binding was not confined solely to the realm of royalty. Dr. Martin elucidates the broader landscape of head shaping practices, drawing a nuanced distinction between intentional modifications and incidental alterations. He highlights the inadvertent changes that could occur through practices like cradle boarding, where infants were swaddled and secured to a rigid support structure. These unintentional deformities stand in stark contrast to the deliberate efforts observed in ancient Egyptian society, underscoring the multifaceted nature of human cultural expression.

As our conversation meanders through the corridors of history, it inevitably encounters the murky waters of speculation. Dr. Martin addresses the persistent theories positing extraterrestrial influence on these ancient practices, particularly prevalent in regions such as Peru. With a scholar's skepticism tempered by scientific rigor, he dismantles these fanciful notions, pointing to the absence of credible empirical evidence supporting such claims. The manipulation of cranial shapes, he asserts, is a distinctly human endeavor, a testament to our boundless capacity for cultural innovation and adaptation.

In unraveling the mysteries of artificial head binding, Dr. Martin offers not merely a glimpse into the past but a profound meditation on the complexities of human identity and expression. It is a saga woven from the threads of tradition, secrecy, and the relentless pursuit of distinction. And amidst the ebb and flow of time, it serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring quest to leave an indelible mark upon the annals of history.