
Contents
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Ethnographic Evidence for the Collection and Preparation of the Heads of Relatives Ethnographic Evidence for the Collection and Preparation of the Heads of Relatives
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Skull Preparation in the Western Islands Skull Preparation in the Western Islands
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Divination Using Skulls Divination Using Skulls
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Mummification in the Eastern Islands Mummification in the Eastern Islands
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Ethnographic Evidence for Headhunting Other Islanders and Shipwrecked Outsiders Ethnographic Evidence for Headhunting Other Islanders and Shipwrecked Outsiders
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Raids on Other Islands Raids on Other Islands
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Massacre of Shipwrecked Outsiders Massacre of Shipwrecked Outsiders
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Osteological Evidence for Decapitation and Defleshing Osteological Evidence for Decapitation and Defleshing
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Conclusions Conclusions
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Acknowledgments Acknowledgments
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References Cited References Cited
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2 Heads as Memorials and Status Symbols: The Collection and Use of Skulls in the Torres Strait Islands
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Published:May 2011
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Abstract
This chapter utilizes ethnographic reports and physical studies of skulls from the Torres Strait Islands to differentiate a decorated skull of a relative from a head collected as a trophy. Ethnographic accounts of mortuary and headhunting practices included skulls of relatives naturally defleshed using termite mounds, as well as heads of men, women and children severed from their bodies using bamboo knives. Heads of relatives were kept as memorials and used in divination. However, heads from neighboring islanders within the Torres Strait Islands were collected during raids as trophies and status symbols, then naturally or manually defleshed and used as objects of trade between the islands. Physical studies found that skulls reported as relatives and trophies were both painted and decorated, although there was no evidence for decapitation on any of the crania or mandibles examined (the vertebrae were not present). There was, however, evidence of termite activity—independently supporting reports of termites used as natural defleshers.
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