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Asymmetric vault modification in Hopi crania
L A Kohn1, S R Leigh, J M Cheverud
1Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA.
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Hopi cradleboarding significantly altered cranial vault shape, causing flattening and changes in length and width. However, it did not impact the cranial base or face morphology.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Bioarchaeology
- Skeletal Biology
Background:
- Cradleboarding was a common practice among prehistoric and historic populations, notably the Hopi.
- This practice often resulted in observable posterior occipital flattening of the skull.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Hopi cradleboarding on cranial vault, cranial base, and facial morphology.
- To examine the relationship between flattening direction and asymmetric craniofacial growth.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a skeletal sample of Hopi individuals from the Old Walpi site (N=82).
- Collected 3D coordinates of 53 landmarks using a diagraph.
- Applied finite element analysis and scaling to compare nonmodified and modified cranial groups.
- Employed bootstrap tests and Pearson correlations to assess statistical significance and associations.
Main Results:
- Hopi cradleboarding significantly impacted cranial vault growth, leading to decreased length and increased width with bilateral flattening.
- Unilateral flattening resulted in ipsilateral decrease and contralateral increase in cranial vault length and width.
- No significant effects were observed on the morphology of the cranial base or face.
Conclusions:
- Cradleboarding demonstrably alters cranial vault shape in the Hopi population.
- The practice's effects are localized to the cranial vault, with no significant impact on the cranial base or facial structures.
- Cranial vault asymmetry correlates with the direction of cradleboard modification.