What is artificial cranial deformation?
Q: What is artificial cranial deformation?
A: Artificial cranial deformation, also known as head flattening or head binding, is the intentional modification of a child's skull by applying force to it in order to change its shape permanently.
Q: How is artificial cranial deformation done?
A: Artificial cranial deformation is done by applying pressure to a child's skull using flat shapes, long shapes, or round shapes. This is done when the child is still young, as the skull is easier to shape at this time.
Q: When is the shape used to change the skull attached to the baby?
A: The shape used to change the skull is usually attached about a month after the baby is born.
Q: How long does the shape used in artificial cranial deformation stay on the baby's head?
A: The shape used in artificial cranial deformation stays on the baby's head for around six months.
Q: Where has artificial cranial deformation been most often used?
A: Artificial cranial deformation has been most often used in native societies in the Americas, but there are also examples from Asia and Europe.
Q: What is the Toulouse deformation?
A: The Toulouse deformation is a form of artificial cranial deformation that was caused by wrapping the head of a newborn, possibly to protect it from damage.
Q: Why was artificial cranial deformation practiced in pre-modern societies?
A: In most cases, the reasons for the practice of artificial cranial deformation in pre-modern societies is not known.
