Skulls

From the primitive to modern man, 

collecting human skulls is a time honored tradition.

 

Ancestor Skull of a Child  

Papua, New Guinea

Teeth are held in place by native made palm fiber string.
Anterior teeth are carved wood replacement.

To read more about these interesting skulls in an 1897 report click below.

 Observations on a Collection of Papuan Crania

or
Here

 

 Adult Skull showing Metopism

Metopism: Persistence of the frontal suture in the adult.

See the "Man is..." page for a rare metopic Tibetan skull bowel.

Trephaned Skull

Of the three major types of trepanation, this is the rarest method known. 

A small flit was used to bore a series of holes arraigned in a circle.

Excellent article here 

 

From the Aleutian Islands

This skull section shows a healed conchoidal fracture in the center of the frontal bone.

This view shows the fracture has healed.

 

 

Overmodeled Skull from Columbia, S.A.
These rare and interesting skulls are discussed in Aufderheide's book "Overmodeled Skulls"
Only a few dozen examples are known.

 

Vintage Fetal Skull, fine patina, mounted on brass base

Ancestor Skulls, Asmat People, Casuarina Coast

all early 20th century 

 

This is an unusual specimen, the shells in the eyes show a Sepik influence and the trade beads, which were costly, indicate a person of stature. The skull itself is a man of advanced age, he was no doubt a well respected individual. ca 1950

 

Eskimo Skull with Old Collection Label

 

 

Executed for Murder

The skulls of murders, their victims and executed persons

are eagerly sought after and highly prized by collectors.

Overmodeled Human Skull

Sepik, New Guinea ca 1940's

 

Overmodeled Human Skull

Sepik, New Guinea

 

Please come back, more to come as time permits.