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Why Did An Ancient Japanese Society Practice Skull Modification?

A new study seeks to answer whether the Hirota modified skulls, and if so, for what reason.

By Matt Hrodey
Aug 22, 2023 6:00 PM
Human bones found in Hirota grave
Human remains found at the Hirota ruins, along with many shell accessories. (Credit: The Kyushu University Museum)

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Archaeologists have recently confirmed that a Japanese society that prospered between roughly A.D. 200 and A.D. 600 on the island of Tanegashima modified craniums for mysterious reasons.

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