Forensic Science International Supplement Series
Volume 1, Issue 1 , Pages 22-23, December 2009

The mystery of shrinking heads

  • B. Reichenpfader

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Universitätsplatz 4, 8010 Graz, Austria
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +43 316 380 4356; fax: +43 316 380 9655.
    • ,
  • W. Buzina

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University Graz, Universitätsplatz 4, 8010 Graz, Austria
    • ,
  • P. Roll

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Universitätsplatz 4, 8010 Graz, Austria

Received 21 July 2009; accepted 2 August 2009.

Abstract 

Shrinking heads as trophies are well known all over the world. Several forms of mummified human trophy heads were produced by different tribes, in addition not true or not traditional shrunken heads were put out. A well preserved shrunken head of unknown origin was examined by our group. Besides anatomy histological and DNA analysis of the mummified material was performed. Furthermore larvae connected to the hair were examined microscopically. Histology of the skin from the neck region showed cellular structures with cytoplasm and nucleus. The larvae were identified as from Pediculus humanis capitis, the human hair lice. Finally DNA analysis of the mummified head revealed a human female STR profile.

Keywords: Shrunken head, Histology, STR, Epizoonosis, Trophy-skulls

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PII: S1875-1741(09)00019-6

doi:10.1016/j.fsisup.2009.08.006

Forensic Science International Supplement Series
Volume 1, Issue 1 , Pages 22-23, December 2009

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