Artificial cranial deformation in Tiwanaku, Bolivia

Artificial cranial deformation (ACD) in Tiwanaku, Bolivia, served as a marker of social identity and hierarchy within the pre-Columbian Andean civilization. This practice, conducted primarily on infants before bone solidification, resulted in distinct cranial shapes—such as conical or box-like—that correlated with social class, caste, lineage, and vocation, including warrior distinctions. The study reviews historical accounts and neuroanatomical implications of ACD, noting that while cognitive deficits may have occurred, they were likely overlooked due to the era's labor-intensive demands. ACD also emphasized ethnic differences and territorial marking, with variations in deformation techniques influencing cranial bone structure. The research synthesizes existing literature to highlight the cultural and social significance of this practice.

Narang, P., Jandial, Z., Aramayo, J. D. B., Crawford, J., & Levy, M. L. (2023). Artificial cranial deformation in Tiwanaku, Bolivia. Child’s Nervous System, 39(11), 3051–3055. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-023-06094-w