Research Article

Prehistoric trepanation in the Cuzco region of Peru: A view into an ancient Andean practice

  1. Valerie A. Andrushko1,*,
  2. John W. Verano2

Article first published online: 3 APR 2008

DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.20836

Issue

American Journal of Physical Anthropology

American Journal of Physical Anthropology

Volume 137, Issue 1, pages 4–13, September 2008

Additional Information

How to Cite

Andrushko, V. A. and Verano, J. W. (2008), Prehistoric trepanation in the Cuzco region of Peru: A view into an ancient Andean practice. Am. J. Phys. Anthropol., 137: 4–13. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.20836

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Anthropology, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06515

  2. 2

    Department of Anthropology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118

*Department of Anthropology, Southern Connecticut State University, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515, USA

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 7 AUG 2008
  2. Article first published online: 3 APR 2008
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 18 FEB 2008
  4. Manuscript Received: 5 SEP 2007

Funded by

  • National Science Foundation (Dissertation Improvement Grant). Grant Number: 0424213
  • Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research (Individual Research Grant). Grant Number: 7283

SEARCH

SEARCH BY CITATION

ARTICLE TOOLS

Get PDF (354K)

Keywords:

  • trepanation;
  • Inca;
  • cranial trauma;
  • Cuzco

Abstract

In this study, patterns of prehistoric trepanation in the southern highlands of Peru were examined through an analysis of 11 Cuzco-region burial sites. Trepanations were found in 66 individuals, with several individuals exhibiting more than one trepanation, for a total of 109 perforations observed. The predominant methods used were circular cutting and scraping—methods that proved highly successful with an overall 83% survival rate and little ensuing infection. Survival rates showed a significant increase over time, apparently reflecting improvements in trepanation technique through experimentation and practical experience. Practitioners avoided certain areas of the cranium and employed methods that reduced the likelihood of damage to the cerebral meninges and venous sinuses. In many cases, trepanation as a medical treatment appears to have been prompted by cranial trauma, a finding that corroborates other studies pointing to cranial trauma as a primary motivation for the surgical procedure. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Get PDF (354K)