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@article{ART003354583},
author={Min Seo Kim and Woo Eun Jin},
title={A Review of Research Trends and Morphological Analysis Methods in Ancient Artificial Cranial Modification},
journal={Anatomy & Biological Anthropology},
issn={2671-5651},
year={2026},
volume={39},
number={2},
pages={89-100},
doi={10.11637/aba.2026.39.2.89}

TY - JOUR
AU - Min Seo Kim
AU - Woo Eun Jin
TI - A Review of Research Trends and Morphological Analysis Methods in Ancient Artificial Cranial Modification
JO - Anatomy & Biological Anthropology
PY - 2026
VL - 39
IS - 2
PB - 대한체질인류학회
SP - 89
EP - 100
SN - 2671-5651
AB - Artificial cranial deformation is a cultural practice involving intentional modification of cranial shape through sustained pressure during infancy and early childhood, and has been documented across diverse temporal and geographic contexts worldwide. This study reviewed trends in diagnostic and analytical methodologies reported in 62 studies on artificial cranial deformation published in international academic journals and evaluated methodological approaches applicable to future domestic research. The results indicate that earlier studies primarily relied on macroscopic observation and linear metric approaches to assess cranial deformation and morphological characteristics. In contrast, recent studies increasingly employ geometric morphometric approaches based on computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional surface scanning data. In particular, coordinate-based quantitative analyses using Procrustes superimposition and principal component analysis were effectively applied to objectively evaluate subtle cranial shape variation and structural relationships. Regional research trends further demonstrated that image-based analytical approaches were most actively applied in South America and West Eurasia, whereas both visual and image-based methods were comparatively utilized in East Eurasia. Future domestic research should move beyond conventional approaches centered on visual observation and linear measurements toward the establishment of a standardized analytical framework integrating three-dimensional imaging data with quantitative morphological methodologies. To achieve this, priority should be given to the construction of digital databases based on CT and 3D surface scanning data, as well as to the development of standardized landmark and semi-landmark systems applicable to domestic skeletal materials. Furthermore, objective diagnostic criteria should be established to quantitatively assess cranial flattening, asymmetry, deformation intensity, and morphological continuity through the application of Procrustes superimposition, principal component analysis, and geometric morphometric approaches.
KW - Artificial skull deformation;Cranial deformation;Geometric morphometry;3D image analysis;Biological anthropology
DO - 10.11637/aba.2026.39.2.89
ER -

Min Seo Kim and Woo Eun Jin. (2026). A Review of Research Trends and Morphological Analysis Methods in Ancient Artificial Cranial Modification. Anatomy & Biological Anthropology, 39(2), 89-100.

Min Seo Kim and Woo Eun Jin. 2026, "A Review of Research Trends and Morphological Analysis Methods in Ancient Artificial Cranial Modification", Anatomy & Biological Anthropology, vol.39, no.2 pp.89-100. Available from: doi:10.11637/aba.2026.39.2.89

Min Seo Kim, Woo Eun Jin "A Review of Research Trends and Morphological Analysis Methods in Ancient Artificial Cranial Modification" Anatomy & Biological Anthropology 39.2 pp.89-100 (2026) : 89.

Min Seo Kim, Woo Eun Jin. A Review of Research Trends and Morphological Analysis Methods in Ancient Artificial Cranial Modification. 2026; 39(2), 89-100. Available from: doi:10.11637/aba.2026.39.2.89

Min Seo Kim and Woo Eun Jin. "A Review of Research Trends and Morphological Analysis Methods in Ancient Artificial Cranial Modification" Anatomy & Biological Anthropology 39, no.2 (2026) : 89-100.doi: 10.11637/aba.2026.39.2.89

Min Seo Kim; Woo Eun Jin. A Review of Research Trends and Morphological Analysis Methods in Ancient Artificial Cranial Modification. Anatomy & Biological Anthropology, 39(2), 89-100. doi: 10.11637/aba.2026.39.2.89

Min Seo Kim; Woo Eun Jin. A Review of Research Trends and Morphological Analysis Methods in Ancient Artificial Cranial Modification. Anatomy & Biological Anthropology. 2026; 39(2) 89-100. doi: 10.11637/aba.2026.39.2.89

Min Seo Kim, Woo Eun Jin. A Review of Research Trends and Morphological Analysis Methods in Ancient Artificial Cranial Modification. 2026; 39(2), 89-100. Available from: doi:10.11637/aba.2026.39.2.89

Min Seo Kim and Woo Eun Jin. "A Review of Research Trends and Morphological Analysis Methods in Ancient Artificial Cranial Modification" Anatomy & Biological Anthropology 39, no.2 (2026) : 89-100.doi: 10.11637/aba.2026.39.2.89