Overmodelled skull

An overmodelled skull is a skull covered with various materials to reconstruct the appearance of a human head. This technique of art and religion is described in many countries throughout the ages.

Origins
A custom that has existed since the Neolithic era, it is widespread in Oceania and the Near East. It originated as a cult of ancestors and consists of covering the dry skull with a plastic material, such as earth, clay, ash, plaster or lime. Skulls can be embellished with pigments, jewellery etc. Sometimes, skulls of animals are also over-modelled.

Articles annexes

 * Skull
 * Papua New Guinean art
 * Plastered human skulls