The Distribution of the Practice of Artificial Cranial Deformation Among the Ancient Populations of Moldova and Armenia

Aim. To provide a systematic description of the phenomenon of artificial cranial modification. Methodology. To achieve this goal, data on cases of artificial cranial deformation from the territories of Moldova and Armenia were collected and classified in order to identify their semantic unity. The methodological basis of the work relies on an integrated approach that combines anthropological and archaeological methods of analysis. To study the phenomenon of artificial modification of the skull, morphological and comparative typological methods were used aimed at identifying the forms, degree of expression and deformation techniques. Analysis of morphological features was carried out according to generally accepted classifications (classification of E. V. Zhirov.). When interpreting the data obtained, the archaeological context was taken into account - chronology, cultural affiliation and features of the funeral rite. Comparison of materials from Moldova and Armenia made it possible to trace regional features and possible cultural relationships in the practice of artificial head deformation. Results. Skeletal remains of 220 individuals from the ancient burial grounds of Shirak were examined for traces of artificial cranial deformation. The Bokani series comprises two skulls. Comparison of deformation types with the chronological dynamics of early and late cultural complexes demonstrated that the fronto-occipital deformation was the most common form in both Moldova and Armenia. It is suggested that this practice may have served as a means of physically distinguishing the individuals who bore it from others. Research implications. Systematization of data on the distribution of artificial cranial deformation contributes to understanding cultural continuity and interaction among contemporaneous societies and reflects the migratory processes of ancient populations.