Ancient 'Cone-Headed' Skull Discovery in Iran Sheds Light on Cranial Practices

Archaeologists have unearthed a 6,200-year-old skull belonging to a young woman at a prehistoric cemetery in Chega Sofla, western Iran. This significant find not only provides insights into ancient cranial modification practices but also reveals the violent circumstances surrounding her death. The excavation is part of the Zohreh Prehistoric Project, led by Dr. Abbas Moghaddam, which has been ongoing for over a decade and aims to explore the social and cultural dynamics of early communities along the Persian Gulf.

The Chega Sofla site, dating back to the fifth millennium BCE, has yielded various artifacts, including homes, tools, pottery, and some of the world’s oldest brick tombs. Recent studies indicate that the region was a hub for early human interaction and cultural exchange. The remains, including elongated skulls indicative of intentional head shaping, suggest that cranial modification was a common practice among ancient societies.

The skull, designated BG1.12, was found with clear evidence of cranial deformation resulting from a practice known as cranial banding, where a child’s head was bound to achieve a desired shape. This method, while culturally significant, has biomechanical implications, as noted by researchers Mahdi Alirezazadeh and Hamed Vahdati Nasab from Tarbiat Modares University. Their findings, published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology in 2025, highlight the physical consequences of such practices, including thinner cranial bones and alterations in internal bone structure.

Furthermore, the skull exhibited a triangular perimortem fracture extending from the front to the left parietal bone, indicative of a fatal blunt force injury. The researchers concluded that the injury was likely inflicted with a broad-edged tool, which did not penetrate the skull but caused significant trauma. The fracture's characteristics suggest that the blow occurred at or near the time of death, a finding that raises questions about the circumstances surrounding her demise.

While the exact nature of the injury remains unclear, whether it was accidental or intentional, the discovery provides valuable insights into the roles of violence and trauma in prehistoric societies. Interestingly, a second skull found at the site showed no signs of cranial modification but also exhibited trauma, indicating that such injuries were not exclusive to individuals with reshaped skulls.

The burial practices observed at Chega Sofla reflect complex social dynamics. BG1.12 was likely interred among her community members, although dense bone concentrations have hindered comprehensive analysis of her lifestyle and status. The ongoing work at the site continues to illuminate the intricate cultural practices of early societies along the Persian Gulf, reinforcing the notion that their lives were marked by both cultural traditions and personal tragedies.

The Zohreh Prehistoric Project aims to further unravel the complexities of early human life, exploring how these communities lived, believed, constructed, and ultimately perished. As research progresses, the findings from Chega Sofla will contribute to a deeper understanding of how ancient societies navigated their social and cultural landscapes, providing a more nuanced perspective on their existence.

For further details, refer to the study by Alirezazadeh and Vahdati Nasab, published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, doi:10.1002/oa.3415 (2025).