An intriguing discovery has emerged from Bolivia, challenging previous assumptions about a mummified head that has been housed in a museum for over a century. Initially believed to be the remains of an Inca man, recent research indicates that this artifact belongs to an individual from a different cultural background, complete with distinct incisions in the skull that may have been part of a ritualistic practice. This comprehensive analysis aims to recontextualize the individual’s history and highlight their significance within their local archaeological narrative.
According to Claire Brizon, a museologist and art historian at the Cantonal Museum of Archaeology and History in Lausanne, Switzerland, the findings of the study reveal that these remains are not merely anthropological artifacts but the remnants of a unique individual. The study, published on August 27 in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, focuses on a mummified head that includes the skin, face, cranium, jaw, and a portion of the neck. Notably, the cranium features a conical shape with a significant lesion, indicative of an attempted trepanation—a procedure involving the drilling or cutting of the skull.
Interestingly, researchers observed that there were no indications that the trepanation was conducted due to trauma, leading them to theorize that it may have served a ritual or social purpose. This finding adds a layer of complexity to our understanding of pre-Columbian practices in South America, particularly regarding the cultural significance of trepanation.
The new analysis concluded that the mummified head belonged to an adult male, who passed away at least 350 years ago. This individual also experienced cranial deformation during childhood—a common practice in pre-Columbian societies achieved by tightly binding an infant's head over an extended period. The researchers highlighted that the trepanation attempt, specifically on the upper right side of the skull, was not completed; while deep incisions were made, the inner layers of bone remained intact.
The study delves deeper into the history of how the mummified head came to be part of the museum’s collection. The skull was donated in 1914 by a Swiss collector who had initially acquired it in Bolivia during the 1870s. Despite a note claiming it was from an Inca individual, the researchers determined that the cranial deformation points to its origins among the Aymara, a prominent Indigenous group inhabiting the Bolivian Highlands. The note also indicated that the head was found in a region now recognized as the Aymara territory.
According to the new findings, it is likely that the head was retrieved from a chullpa, a traditional stone burial tower common in the area. The natural mummification of the remains can be attributed to the cold and arid climate of the region, which preserved the body remarkably well over the centuries.
In conducting this analysis, the researchers adhered to non-invasive methods to respect the individual’s dignity. Claudine Abegg, the lead author and an anthropologist at the University of Geneva, emphasized the importance of using analytical techniques that align with what the deceased might have preferred. While more invasive methods could yield precise results, the decision to pursue such tests should involve the communities connected to the individual.
Currently, the mummified head remains part of the museum's collection but is not displayed to the public. Brizon mentioned that while there have been no requests for its repatriation, the museum is open to inquiries about the artifact's future. Julia Gresky, a paleopathologist at the German Archaeological Institute, noted that she has never encountered a case of both cranial deformation and attempted trepanation in a single individual. The motivations behind the incomplete trepanation remain speculative, with possibilities ranging from personal choice to unknown circumstances.
This fascinating study not only sheds light on the individual behind the mummified head but also contributes to a broader understanding of cultural practices among ancient South American civilizations.
