Shrunken+Heads

Some people feel the need to get ahead in life. Others feel the need to get… a head. Many civilizations in ancient days practiced what was called “headhunting.” This involved killing someone in battle and taking their head as a trophy. However, the Jivaro Indians in Peru and Ecuador took this one step further. Not only did they take the heads of their enemies, they shrunk them.

Before any heads could be resized, they first had to obtain a head to mess with. The Jivaro tribe would go into battle, interestingly out of revenge rather than out of wanting new land. When an enemy was killed, their head was cut off. The Jivaro would then tie string through the head to ensure a safe, efficient travel home. Once home, the work began. They opened the head and completely discarded the skull. The orifices in the face were shut manually, and then the head was boiled in water. This was not an easy feat; the timing was crucial to ensure the best results. When removed from the water, the head would be ⅔ smaller. That puts a whole new definition to downsizing. The head would then be stuffed with hot rocks and prepared. Ash would be rubbed over the head to maintain the texture and facial features. The process would last many days, and at the culmination, a celebration was held with a feast to praise the preparation of the head.

Europeans heard of the heads and wanted to own them out of a morbid sense of curiosity. Eventually, this gruesome practiced was banned. However, many museums showcase replicas of these heads today. These heads serve as a reminder to not be small minded.

// By: Taylor Brown //