The Plastered Skulls

A remarkable analysis reveals that Skull 88-1 from 'Ain Ghazal stands out as the most spectacular example of plastered skulls in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) tradition, offering new insights into ancient burial practices and ritualistic behaviors. By comparing this skull to a broader context—including fourteen decapitated heads from 'Ain Ghazal and assemblages from seven other Levantine sites such as Jericho, Beisamoun, and Kösk Höyük—the study highlights the cultural significance of skull removal and plastering. These practices are further contextualized through ancient Near Eastern iconography and historical texts, which often depicted decapitation as an abomination, suggesting a complex interplay between ritual, symbolism, and societal norms during this period.

Schmandt-Besserat, D. (2013). The Plastered Skulls. Ex Oriente. https://doi.org/10.26153/TSW/5880