Archaeologists from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History have discovered a strange, square skull that reveals previously unknown deformation behavior in the region. greek journalist.
Weirdly shaped skulls suggest ancient shape-shifting practices
The skull was found in the northern Huastka region and belonged to an adult male over 40 years old who lived during the Classic Period of Mesoamerica between 400 AD and 900 AD. The area is now the Balcón de Montezuma Archaeological Zone in the state of Tamaulipas. Physical anthropologist Jesus Ernesto Velasco González confirmed that intentional cranial deformation rituals were performed at the site. Experts say the skull has a “plate-like upright” deformation, with a unique upper plane that creates what scientists call a “cube-like” appearance.
“This form is plate-like, named by some experts because it induces polyhedrons in the skull, with planes of compression extending from the lambda at the angle of the occipital bone to the sagittal suture of the parietal bone,” Gonzalez explains. “This gives the head a more square shape, as opposed to the conical shape typical of other modifications.”
Similar deformities have been found in distant areas
Such purposeful deformation has been found at the Elzaportal site in Veracruz and in several pre-Maya communities, but the degree of deformation varied. These changes first indicate possible migration or cultural exchange between the ancient citizens of Elsapotar and the inhabitants of northern Huastka. However, stable oxygen isotope analysis of samples of collagen and bone bioapatite from the bones and teeth of another individual confirmed that they did not leave the eastern Sierra Madre region. “The results therefore weaken direct mobility relationships with groups in Elza Portal or more south,” González said. The finding therefore suggests that customs were spread through cultural networks rather than migration.
Researchers believe that people of higher social status used the cranial deformation practice to distinguish themselves from other citizens. They often wear headdresses or other ornaments to emphasize the shape of their skulls. The new findings challenge previous ideas about ancient cultural networks, showing that similar practices were carried out across distant and widespread communities, despite great distances.
This article was originally published by Men’s Journal on December 3, 2025, and first appeared in the News section. Click here to add Men’s Diary as your go-to source.
