12,000-Year-Old Elongated Skulls Discovered in Asia

According to a new archeological report, ancient humans inhabiting parts of present-day Asia had elongated skulls more than 12,000 years ago.

The people would elongate their skulls as a sign of wealth and status, the researchers believe.

During archeological excavations of ancient Chinese toms yielded what is now considered the oldest elongated skulls on Earth.

While excavating an archeological site called Houtaomuga, the researchers came across as many as 25 skeletons dating to between 5,000 and 12,000 years ago. Curiously, 11 of the excavated skeletons were found to contain egg-shaped craniums.

Previously, it was thought that head-biding, which allowed the artificial deformation of the skull date back to between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago.

This practice was common across the world, and evidence of elongated skulls can be found in South America, Central America, Europe, Africa as well as Asia.

It is believed that the practice of artificial cranial deformation began in the American Continent some 8,000 years ago. Read the full article.