Unintentional Artificial Deformation in the Medieval Population of the Lower Volga Region (Paleopathological Perspective)

This study presents comparative analysis results of medieval population series originating from the kurgan and ground burials in the Lower Volga region, categorized according to the presence or absence of unintentional artificial cranial deformation traces. A total of 753 cranial vaults were examined, of which 220 exhibited signs of unintentional artificial cradle (beshik)-type deformation. The series were divided into a nomadic group (under the kurgan and ground burials from the Khazar, Oghuz, Cuman, and Golden Horde periods) and a sedentary population group (necropolises of the Vodyanskoye, Krasnoyarskoye, and Selitrennoye settlements; burial grounds of the Tsarevskoye settlement and its suburbs; and the Shareniy Bugor cemetery). Comparative analysis evaluated 20 pathological and discrete traits of remains in adults and 8 features in immature individuals. Frequency comparisons were performed using the non-parametric Pearson’s chi-square test (χ2) for adult samples and Fisher’s exact test for children’s series, with verification using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test. The comparative analysis of the deformed and non-deformed skulls revealed no statistically significant differences between most traits across the examined series, including mixed-sex and non-adult groups. However, certain conditions were identified showing a significant variation in the compared series. The frequency of these traits was consistently higher in samples with unintentional cranial deformation. Notably, degenerative changes of the temporomandibular joint, vascular reactions, and nasal trauma were significantly more prevalent in both sedentary and nomadic populations with beshik-type deformation. The observed differences between individuals with and without traces of unintentional artificial deformation likely indicate populations that not only utilized beshik-type cradles in daily life but also adhered to traditions in family relations, diet, and lifestyle practices rooted in the nomadic cultures of ancient Central Asian peoples. The unintentional artificial deformation observed in skulls dating back to the late 7th to the 15th centuries was compatible with normal biological functioning. The pathological deviations identified in its carriers probably result from environmental and sociocultural factors affecting the human body.