Name/Title
Trepanned skullDescription
This early Peruvian skull illustrates trepanning which was the earliest documented surgical procedure. Trepanation was helpful in reducing pressure from blood clots but was also used to "remove demons" from the mentally ill. This is also a wrapped skull, intentionally deformed at birth for royalty.
Below is "Extraction of the Fool's Stone, " oil on wood by Jan Sanders van Hemessen (1500-1557). Early quack physicians roamed the countryside curing the insane or possessed by removing the “stone of insanity.” The healer would make an incision in the forehead of those afflicted and, while palming a stone would appear to have removed it for a cure. The healer moved on to the next town before his deception was discovered.
The present day expression describing one who exhibits unusual behavior as having “rocks in the head” is probably derived from that practice.Dimensions
Height
9 inWidth
5 inDepth
7 inCondition
Overall Condition
FairDate Examined
Jul 5, 2026Create Date
July 5, 2026Update Date
August 26, 2026
