Evaluation of Artificial Cranial Deformation on 3D Preincaic Mummified Skulls

Pre-Columbian civilizations in South America used to induce artificial cranial deformations. Researchers have studied modifications to skull morphology mainly by means of comparison of anthropometric indexes. The analysis of these indexes could be a valid approach for the evaluation of artificial cranial deformations, but anthropologists may be prevented from measuring the mummified skull at the traditional osteometric landmarks due to the soft tissues that cover the reference points on the bones. In this paper, the study of a set of human mummified remains is presented. 3D models of four skulls, coming from Peru, are generated via CT (Computed Tomography). Reference landmarks have been selected and outline profiles have been identified on the virtual skulls, in order to compute traditional anthropometric indexes. Finally, artificial cranial deformations have been evaluated using the 3D models and compared with the results of previous scientific works