Cranial deformation in a subadult sample from Değirmentepe (Chalcolithic, Turkey)

Human skeletal remains from the Chalcolithic period of Değirmentepe, Turkey, near the Euphrates River, display artificial cranial deformation of the circular type. Human skeletal remains belonging to 31 individual have been dated to the Chalcolithic period (second half of the fifth millennium BC, uncalibrated). The remains include foetuses, infants, children and juveniles; but no adult skeletons. Either the adults were buried elsewhere or flooding of the Euphrates dragged the adult remains away. Artificial cranial deformation was observed in 13 of the 31 subadults ranging in age from 1 month to 13-14 years. Değirmentepe villagers might have used one or two circular constricting bands with the intent of producing artificial head deformation. As far as Anatolia and the Near Eastern region is concerned, the widespread use of circular head deformation may be an indication of longer-distance trade and more need for ethnic markers.