A preserved human head from ancient Peru has revealed a rare example of a facial congenital disability, offering new insight into how people with visible differences may have been treated in early Andean societies. Researchers have identified signs of a cleft lip and palate in the head, marking the first time this condition has been found in a preserved Peruvian “trophy head” from the region.
Bioarchaeologist Beth Scaffidi made the identification while reviewing images of the head, which has been part of the Musée de Grenoble collection since 2004. The remains show clear signs of a congenital condition affecting the upper lip and palate, a developmental issue that occurs before birth. Only a handful of such cases have ever been documented in ancient South American remains, making this a significant addition to the archaeological record.
Signs of special status suggest a complex social role
Measuring approximately 17 by 6 by 8 inches (43.1 by 15.2 by 20.3 cm), the head features a distinctive L-shaped mouth and a golden, waxy surface. Experts believe the head was treated with a preservative, possibly either in antiquity or during its time in museum collections. While natural tar deposits exist in Peru’s Paracas region and may have been used in burial practices, there is currently no direct evidence to confirm this method was involved in this case.
Notably, the individual also wore large copper earrings, suggesting they may have held a high social or ceremonial position. Artwork from the region, including pottery, has portrayed figures with similar facial features in spiritual roles or wearing clothing linked to elite status. In some cases, individuals with physical differences were believed to possess spiritual qualities or were thought to be shielded from supernatural forces.
Colonial records from later periods indicate that those born with such conditions sometimes served in religious capacities, albeit often in lower-ranking roles. However, the inclusion of expensive adornments and detailed preservation could point to a more respected or protected role in earlier societies.
Head’s journey from Peru to Europe raises broader questions
Scaffidi first came across the object in a 2021 exhibition catalog from a modern art museum in Saint-Étienne, France. The document traced the head’s origin to the Ocucaje area of southern Peru, a region known for its rich archaeological history. The head was brought to France by collector Pierre Langlois.
Although the preservation of skin and soft tissue limits the ability to determine the individual’s age or gender, future analysis could offer further insights into diet, lifestyle, and possible migration. Techniques such as isotopic testing may reveal information about how the person lived and moved during their lifetime.
The case also highlights ongoing concerns in the field about repatriation and the ethical management of ancient remains. Scaffidi emphasized that many human remains in museum collections lack proper documentation, making it difficult to return them to the appropriate descendant communities. She noted that research often focuses on new finds, leaving older, poorly cataloged specimens overlooked.
This discovery underscores how ancient remains can take on different meanings across time — seen either as sacred ancestral links or as museum artifacts. As archaeologists revisit such collections, they continue to uncover complex stories that challenge assumptions about ancient life and identity.