Peruvian bound skulls, also known as "trophy heads," are human skulls that were deformed during life as a part of a cultural practice in certain indigenous communities in Peru. In addition to cranial deformation, some of these skulls also show evidence of trephination, which is a surgical procedure that involves cutting a hole in the skull. Trephination was performed for a variety of reasons, including to treat medical conditions such as cranial fractures or to release pressure on the brain, as well as for ritual or spiritual purposes. The practice of trephination was widespread in ancient Peru and is believed to have been performed as early as 2500 BC. It is unclear how common the practice of trephination was in conjunction with cranial deformation in Peru, but some bound skulls do show evidence of both practices.
