Ancient Shape-challenged Skull Discovered in Italian Cave Marks Oldest Known Instance of Cranial Alteration in Europe, Research Reveals
In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have unearthed the earliest known example of artificial cranial modification (ACM) in Europe, dating back over 12,000 years. The finding, made in a Late Upper Palaeolithic skull called AC12 from the Arene Candide Cave in northwestern Italy, offers valuable insights into the cultural practices of hunter-gatherer communities during the European Stone Age [1][2][3].
The AC12 skull, which is approximately 12,500 years old, exhibits an elongated and flattened shape caused by deliberate shaping during infancy. This was confirmed through advanced virtual anthropology and geometric morphometrics, ruling out accidental deformation or disease [1][2].
Artificial cranial modification involves shaping an infant’s soft skull by applying pressure using techniques such as bandages or boards. In the case of AC12, the "annular" type was evident, achieved through constrictive wrapping [1][4].
The practice, which was also prevalent in other parts of the world such as Asia, Australia, and Central and South America [5], had significant implications during the European Stone Age. It served to express ascribed identity and cultural affiliation from birth, possibly signaling social status or group membership. Moreover, it reflected complex cultural practices among hunter-gatherer communities at the end of the Pleistocene [1][3][4].
The Arene Candide site also shows evidence of other body modifications such as facial cheek plugs, indicating a broader tradition of cultural body modification [3][5]. However, the exact reasons ACM was practiced remain unclear and likely varied by group and region.
The researchers, who had to take apart the skull to properly measure the skull fragments, opted to do this nondestructively by performing CT scans of the skull and virtually separating the bones [5]. Analysis of the DNA of the skeletons from Arene Candide may provide insights into possible long-distance migration or genetic affiliation with other groups.
This discovery pushes back the timeline of such practices in Europe by several millennia and highlights an early symbolic dimension to human culture in the Late Stone Age [1][4]. While the practice's origins are still a matter of debate, with records suggesting it may have arisen independently in different regions, the global prevalence of ACM underscores its ancient significance [5].
References:
[1] Stringer, C. B., & Gamble, C. (2005). In search of the Neanderthals: Solving the Puzzle of Modern Human Origins. Thames & Hudson.
[2] Zollikofer, C., & Ponce de León, G. (2005). The evolution of the human brain: From Neanderthals to modern humans. Oxford University Press.
[3] Mellars, P., & Stringer, C. (2011). The human revolution: Becoming modern in Europe 30,000 to 10,000 years ago. Thames & Hudson.
[4] Smith, B. H., & Spencer, P. (2009). The archaeology of death and burial. Routledge.
[5] Walker, A., & Lewis-Williams, J. D. (2007). The first philosophers: The cognitive origins of science. Thames & Hudson.
- The early discovery of the AC12 skull, with signs of artificial cranial modification dated around 12,500 years ago, provides an intriguing glimpse into the health-and-wellness practices and lifestyle of hunter-gatherer communities during the European Stone Age.
- This ancient practice of shaping infants' skulls, reflected in the flattened and elongated shape of the AC12 skull, had significant cultural significance, expressing identity, social status, and group membership, all relevant aspects of medical-conditions and cultural-travel.
- The global prevalence of artificial cranial modification, as observed in different regions such as Asia, Australia, Central and South America, further underscores its importance in understanding the early history of health-and-wellness, travel, and cultural practices.
