Elongated skulls of Pacific Northwest Native Americans covered up, speaker claims. Lewis and Clark reported that all natives west of the Cascade Mountains were known as 'Flatheads' by eastern natives Skull modification was a sign of freedom — freeborn natives modified their children's skulls while slaves could not The Smithsonian published a book on Chinook chief Comcomly (Conley) and the 'sign of freedom' practice
Lewis and Clark learned that western Cascades natives were called 'Flatheads' by eastern tribes. Skull modification marked freeborn status since slaves weren't allowed it. The Smithsonian published on Chinook chief Comcomly regarding this tradition in 1960. His skull was removed post-mortem, reached the Smithsonian in 1956, and was repatriated to the Chinook in 1972.
Key Facts
- Lewis and Clark reported that all natives west of the Cascade Mountains were known as 'Flatheads' by eastern natives
- Skull modification was a sign of freedom — freeborn natives modified their children's skulls while slaves could not
- The Smithsonian published a book on Chinook chief Comcomly (Conley) and the 'sign of freedom' practice
- Native burial practice involved raised graves with canoes placed on islands or rock outcrops to protect from predators, sometimes covered with a second canoe
- Chief Comcomly's skull was cut off about 3 years after his death despite his friendly relations with white settlers
- The skull ended up in England and was returned around 1960 with location listed as 'unknown grave'
- The University of Oregon's Native American studies program reportedly teaches nothing about this practice
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