Plastered human skulls

Plastered skull from Jericho 12741-42

Plastered human skulls are a form of prehistoric art and burial practice associated primarily with the Neolithic period, particularly in the Levant, though similar practices have been observed in other cultures around the world. These skulls represent some of the earliest forms of ancestor veneration or ritual practice, highlighting the deep human interest in life, death, and the possibility of an afterlife.

Origin and History

The tradition of plastering human skulls dates back to approximately 7000 BCE, with the earliest examples found at sites such as Jericho in the West Bank, and Çatalhöyük in modern-day Turkey. These communities belonged to the Neolithic era, a period characterized by the beginning of farming, domestication of animals, and the establishment of permanent settlements.

Cultural Significance

The act of plastering skulls involved removing the skull from the deceased, covering it with plaster, and then painting and decorating it, often to resemble the living individual. This process was likely performed as a means of remembering and honoring the dead. In some cases, the eyes were replaced with shells or stones, giving the skulls a lifelike appearance. These practices suggest a belief in the importance of the individual and possibly a belief in life after death.

Archaeological Findings

In Jericho, archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon uncovered several plastered skulls dating back to the Neolithic period. These skulls were found buried beneath the floors of domestic dwellings, indicating a close relationship between the living and the dead. Similarly, at Çatalhöyük, plastered skulls were discovered in wall recesses of homes, further emphasizing the significance of ancestor veneration in these early societies.

Techniques and Materials

The technique of plastering skulls involved several steps. First, the skull's flesh and brain were removed, often through boiling or scraping. Then, the skull was coated with a layer of plaster made from lime or a mixture of lime and clay. Details such as facial features were modeled onto the plaster, sometimes with remarkable realism. Finally, the skull might be painted, often with red ochre, and adorned with accessories.

Interpretations

Scholars have proposed various interpretations of the plastered skulls. Some suggest that these skulls were kept as mementos or relics to remember the deceased. Others believe they played a role in rituals intended to communicate with ancestors or gods. The practice might also have served as a form of ancestor worship, ensuring the deceased's continued presence and protection for their living relatives.

Comparison with Other Cultures

Similar practices have been observed in other parts of the world, including in South America and Oceania, where skull modification and decoration were part of funerary traditions. However, the specific practice of plastering and painting skulls to resemble the living is most closely associated with the Neolithic Levant.

Conclusion

Plastered human skulls provide a fascinating insight into the beliefs and practices of Neolithic societies. They reflect a complex understanding of death and the afterlife, and the desire to maintain a connection with those who have passed. As archaeological techniques advance, it is likely that more discoveries will shed further light on this intriguing aspect of human history.