THE TRADITION OF HEAD ELONGATíON

THE TRADITION OF HEAD ELONGATíON

THE TRADITION OF HEAD ELONGATíON
An Amarna-era sculpture that is believed to depict Princess Meritaten, daughter of Akhenaten and Nefertiti, of ancient Egypt, which features a notably elongated skull. This cranial shape was likely the result of intentional modification during infancy, which is similar to the techniques used by the Mangbetu people of Central Africa, who engaged in a tradition called Lipombo. In this custom, infants’ heads were tightly bound with cords, typically beginning between six and twelve months of age. These bindings were gradually tightened, exerting consistent pressure that reshaped the skull over time. The cords were usually removed after approximately two years, leaving the skull permanently elöngated.