The Story Behind Shrunken Heads

If you’re a fan of obscure art or the more scary and weird side of entertainment, you’re probably familiar with shrunken heads. Unless otherwise noted as an imitation art piece, most of these shrunken heads are very real heads that were severed and then very carefully treated so as to stay preserved. Many of them even still have their own hair attached to them! Some of these shrunken heads that have been recovered are still around today and can be found in different types of curiosity or oddity museums, remaining preserved without additional special treatment. But just how have shrunken heads stood the test of time? What is their purpose anyhow? Are they still shrinking heads today in some places in the world? These are the creepy questions we’re about to answer for you in this article.

History of Shrunken Heads

The practice of hunting heads has been practiced worldwide essentially since the beginning of time. In some areas, bringing the severed head of the ruler’s enemy proved loyalty and good warrior skills. Oftentimes, men who brought their rulers back severed heads received nobility or even a seat at the royal court. In many other cultures, obtaining a severed head was a type of trophy, and many rulers have proudly displayed the heads of their enemies in their castle yards. Native Americans also used this practice by way of scalping, or—simply cutting off the entire scalp of the enemy. The bravest warriors who were able to carry this out successfully would then line the insides of their family homes (and in some cases, even the entryway!) with these scalps so as to display their strength.

However, once the head or scalp would rot away, it would then be burnt and more room for new heads would be made. The practice of actually shrinking and so wonderfully preserving the human heads is something that is entirely unique only to tribes that are living in the Amazon Rainforest. At that, there are only four tribes out of a bunch that actually practiced this and continue to do so today.

The Process of Shrinking a Head

The very first step that these certain tribes take with a severed head is to slice into the back of the neck. Next, extreme caution and patience is taken in peeling off the skin so as to separate the flesh from the skull. After the entire face, neck, and ears have been peeled away from the skull, special seeds are inserted into the eyelid area, and the eyelids are then sewn shut with the little seeds to remain in them forever. The lips are then sewn shut with specially made and blessed rope that’s made from palm trees which are native to the area. In sewing the lips shut, no more than three stitches are ever usually made. Then, any remaining fat that is on the skin of the head is removed and a very small wooden ball is placed beneath the skin, replacing the skull. The head is then boiled in a special mixture of herbs and most importantly- a natural preservative found only in the Amazon Rainforest which is called tannins. After the head has boiled for a few hours, it is dried completely with rocks that have been heated by fire and the skin is smoothed out and hand sculpted back into the shape of the original features this particular person had at the time of death. Any hair that the person had will always remain- facial hair included. It is then completely coated in charcoal and hung on display.

The Process of Shrinking Heads as a Sacred Ritual

The entire procedure that is entailed in shrinking heads are undoubtedly an incredibly sacred ritual to the tribes that partake in it. The special ropes that are constructed from palm branches are made while reciting sacred mantras and chants, and the lips are sewn shut in order to prevent the person’s soul from escaping and wreaking havoc. The seeds that are placed behind the eyelids are there to represent the growth that will come to the tribe from eliminating the enemy. Typically, a very large feast is made and served after the process of shrinking a head has been completed. This feast takes place in order to give thanks to their gods for allowing them to capture the enemy and successfully preserve him or her to be able to have an eternal symbol of their victory.