Modification of human skulls in Tol-e Chega Sofla

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate in Prehistoric Archaeology (Tarbiat Modares University)

2 tarbiat modarres university

3 Faculty Member of Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization

10.22084/nb.2022.25249.2418

Abstract

Modified human skulls are one of the unique finds among ancient cultural materials. The deformation of these skulls can be caused by various factors, including diseases, cultural factors, soil pressure after burial, and even life events. In the meantime, skulls that have been "Intentionally" deformed are of particular importance. Evidence of intentionally deformed skulls in Southwest Asia has been reported from some sites, albeit in small numbers. On the Iranian plateau, samples of these skulls have been obtained from archaeological excavations. Unfortunately, the deformed skulls of the Iranian plateau have not been worthy studied so far, which has been influenced by various factors. One of the most important factors has been the research goals of the excavation and the particular focus on some findings and ignoring other evidence. Including these cases are human skulls obtained from Neolithic sites in the Central Zagros. Specimens of these skulls were found in the Tol-e Chega Sofla in the Zohreh plain (Behbahan, Khuzestan). Since 13 deformed skulls have been excavated in this site so far and these skulls are well preserved, there is an excellent opportunity to study this issue. The study of the deformed skulls of Chega Sofla reveals similarities in the methods of skull deformation with other regions of Southwest Asia. In this area, a bandage has been used to deform the skulls. There are also different traditions of deformation in Chega Sofla. The BG1 mass grave samples show similarities with the Ali Kosh and Seyh Hüyük skull. The BG6.1 specimen, on the other hand, does not resemble any of the BG1 mass grave skulls and is similar to the modified skull of Burial No. 5. In Chagha Sefid. It should be noted that unintentional deformation of the skull has also been observed in the Chega Sofla, where parts of the occipital bone were flattened.

Keywords

Main Subjects

pazhoheshha-ye Bastan shenasi Iran

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 April 2022

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