80 



BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY 



[bull. 34 



degree hereditary. Figure 1 illustrates a pronounced lateral com- 

 pression of this nature in the skull of an ancient Pueblo. 



In some tribes head deformation is diminishing in frequency. It 

 has existed in all localities, and still is, on the average, more pro- 

 nounced and also somewhat more common among males than among 

 females, probably in consequence of the slightly greater weight of the 

 head of the male infant. The \vriter has amply satisfied himself that 

 this deformation is wholly incidental. The treatment which gives 



Fig. 1. Ancient Pueblo skull, showing in a high degree effect of lateral occipital compression. 



rise to it is not watched or regulated in any way in any of the tribes. 

 The deformation is well known and its cause understood by the 

 Indians, but most of them feel helpless about it. In some localities, 

 however, the flat occiput seems to be viewed with favor. There may 

 be a natural explanation for this; if the occipital compression is pro- 

 nounced there is developed a high and rather vertical forehead, 

 possibly admired in some tribes, as it is sometimes among whites. 



The baby is nursed while laced up, the mother taking the cradle 

 board on her lap. The infant is taken out of the cradle board three 

 to five times each day, first at the beginning of the day, and lastly 



