Mexican archaeologists have made a startling discovery while excavating the Moral-Reforma archaeological site near Tabasco, Mexico. A total of 13 sets of remains were found buried just 40 feet away from “Structure 18,” a pyramid-shaped monument located south of the main temple. The skulls, believed to be from the period between 600 and 900 BC, provide intriguing insights into ancient Mayan rituals and practices.
Evidence of Ritualistic Sacrifice
At least two of the skulls exhibited clear signs of ritualistic sacrifice. Transverse cuts were observed on the bone shaft near the cranio-cervical junction, indicating the use of a sharp object to extract the skull. While the neck and mandible still maintained their anatomical relationship, it remains uncertain whether these wounds caused the individuals’ deaths or were inflicted postmortem.
Intentional Cranial Deformation
Archaeologists discovered that five of the skulls possessed an unusually elongated shape, suggesting deliberate cranial deformation that began from an early age. This practice was not unique to the Mayans but was also observed in other ancient civilizations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Researchers speculate that skull elongation may have been associated with higher social status.
Insights from Teeth and Bones
Examination of the remains revealed that some individuals suffered from tooth decay, likely due to a diet rich in maize. Additionally, certain bones were adorned with red pigment, adding another layer of intrigue to the findings.
The Mystery of Elongated Skulls
Elongated skulls have been discovered in various parts of the world, often associated with ancient indigenous groups. These skulls are nearly twice the size of normal human skulls and lack certain ridges typically found in human crania. Instead, they feature an additional diagonal groove across the forehead, and their bones are often thicker and stronger compared to our own.
Depictions in Ancient Egypt
In Egypt, elongated skulls have been found and depicted in decorations and wall carvings, particularly during the era of the pharaohs. While Egyptologists interpret these depictions as stylistic representations of royal headdresses worn by common people, the discovery of unusually elongated skulls in mummies, such as that of King Tutankhamun, raises questions about the true nature of this phenomenon.
As archaeologists continue to investigate the Moral-Reforma site, they hope to uncover more answers about the enigmatic skulls and the ancient practices surrounding them. The clues found within the bones and teeth of the sacrificed individuals may shed light on the mysteries of the Mayan civilization and the persistent occurrence of skull deformation across various cultures worldwide.
