Astrakhan archaeologists continue to share unique footage from the excavation site near the village of Nikolskoye. They recently showed a deformed skull found in one of the burials.
“Skull with artificial deformation. The Sarmatian tribes had a tradition of skull modification. As a child, the head was tightly bandaged, as a result of which the bones were deformed. This demonstrated the special status of a person. Alans V-VII centuries AD (AD) , - this commentary was accompanied by the picture of archaeologists.
Instagram users decided that the picture was a skull of a "beautiful sarmatian". However, archaeologists explained that this is the skull of a man, up to 30 years old, but certainly also beautiful, they wrote.
Alas, but, most likely, now we will not soon see unique finds from Praying Sands. At present, archaeological excavations at Praying Sands have been suspended due to the heat. They will continue in September with further reclamation of the mound.
Reference. The custom of artificial skull deformation has been practiced in many cultures. Its presence is evidenced by archaeological finds, sculptural images, wall paintings, coins, gems-seals. Archaeological and anthropological excavations of mounds give numerous remains of people with artificially deformed skulls