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1 00:00:01,394 00:00:02,639 Mastrelli: Shrunken heads. Mastrelli: Shrunken heads.
2 00:00:03,881 00:00:06,559 What are these macabre curiosities? What are these macabre curiosities?
3 00:00:07,881 00:00:09,959 Where do they come from? Where do they come from?
4 00:00:10,034 00:00:11,439 How were they made? How were they made?
5 00:00:13,394 00:00:17,792 Now scientists are using advanced forensic technology Now scientists are using advanced forensic technology
6 00:00:17,801 00:00:21,552 To find out who these people really were. To find out who these people really were.
7 00:00:21,561 00:00:25,392 They're uncovering a dark tale of ancient ritual They're uncovering a dark tale of ancient ritual
8 00:00:25,401 00:00:29,519 To reveal the secrets of shrunken heads. To reveal the secrets of shrunken heads.
9 00:00:31,634 00:00:35,552 For centuries, the mysteries of the past For centuries, the mysteries of the past
10 00:00:35,561 00:00:38,592 Have kept their secrets, Have kept their secrets,
11 00:00:38,601 00:00:42,279 But there are clues cast in gold, But there are clues cast in gold,
12 00:00:42,354 00:00:46,479 Etched in stone, written in blood. Etched in stone, written in blood.
13 00:00:50,121 00:00:52,399 We can unlock them. We can unlock them.
14 00:00:53,641 00:00:56,559 (mysterious music) (mysterious music)
15 00:01:09,161 00:01:11,479 There are thousands of shrunken heads There are thousands of shrunken heads
16 00:01:11,554 00:01:13,879 In museums around the world. In museums around the world.
17 00:01:13,954 00:01:17,632 Some on display, others locked away. Some on display, others locked away.
18 00:01:17,641 00:01:19,632 And the shocking truth is, And the shocking truth is,
19 00:01:19,641 00:01:23,159 Many of these are real human heads. Many of these are real human heads.
20 00:01:23,234 00:01:24,599 Where did they come from? Where did they come from?
21 00:01:24,674 00:01:26,112 How were they made? How were they made?
22 00:01:26,121 00:01:27,559 And what's the true story And what's the true story
23 00:01:27,634 00:01:30,512 Behind this strange and disturbing phenomenon? Behind this strange and disturbing phenomenon?
24 00:01:30,521 00:01:33,632 Now scientists can finally answer these questions Now scientists can finally answer these questions
25 00:01:33,641 00:01:36,439 Using forensic science and advanced computer modeling. Using forensic science and advanced computer modeling.
26 00:01:40,354 00:01:41,959 In the 19th century, In the 19th century,
27 00:01:42,034 00:01:45,839 A gruesome curiosity captured the public imagination A gruesome curiosity captured the public imagination
28 00:01:47,234 00:01:51,399 And created an obsession for these exotic novelties, And created an obsession for these exotic novelties,
29 00:01:53,874 00:01:56,439 Decapitated human heads, Decapitated human heads,
30 00:01:56,514 00:02:00,032 Shrunk to a fraction of their original size. Shrunk to a fraction of their original size.
31 00:02:00,041 00:02:02,279 While they fascinated the public, While they fascinated the public,
32 00:02:02,354 00:02:05,479 Little attention was ever paid to their origin. Little attention was ever paid to their origin.
33 00:02:07,161 00:02:09,072 Houlton: Shrunken heads have long been viewed Houlton: Shrunken heads have long been viewed
34 00:02:09,081 00:02:12,432 As almost like freak show ornaments As almost like freak show ornaments
35 00:02:12,441 00:02:14,039 That would be put in displays, That would be put in displays,
36 00:02:14,114 00:02:17,392 Or in even private collections for people to stare at, Or in even private collections for people to stare at,
37 00:02:17,401 00:02:19,472 Without anyone really acknowledging Without anyone really acknowledging
38 00:02:19,481 00:02:22,399 That this was once a living, breathing individual. That this was once a living, breathing individual.
39 00:02:24,761 00:02:27,159 Mastrelli: Doctor tobias houlton is an anthropologist Mastrelli: Doctor tobias houlton is an anthropologist
40 00:02:27,234 00:02:29,399 Specializing in facial anatomy. Specializing in facial anatomy.
41 00:02:30,361 00:02:33,792 Today he is on a quest to unlock the secrets Today he is on a quest to unlock the secrets
42 00:02:33,801 00:02:35,839 Of ritual shrunken heads. Of ritual shrunken heads.
43 00:02:38,201 00:02:40,919 Houlton: The intention of our forensic investigation Houlton: The intention of our forensic investigation
44 00:02:40,994 00:02:42,679 Is that we can actually discover Is that we can actually discover
45 00:02:42,754 00:02:45,392 The identity of the individual, The identity of the individual,
46 00:02:45,401 00:02:48,512 That it's not just the so-called specimen That it's not just the so-called specimen
47 00:02:48,521 00:02:50,919 That's hidden behind a glass cabinet, That's hidden behind a glass cabinet,
48 00:02:50,994 00:02:54,512 But actually a living, breathing person that once existed. But actually a living, breathing person that once existed.
49 00:02:54,521 00:02:55,959 Who are they? Who are they?
50 00:02:56,034 00:02:57,632 Where did they reside? Where did they reside?
51 00:02:57,641 00:02:59,919 And how did they land up as a shrunken head? And how did they land up as a shrunken head?
52 00:03:01,714 00:03:05,799 Mastrelli: The story begins deep in the amazon rainforest, Mastrelli: The story begins deep in the amazon rainforest,
53 00:03:07,474 00:03:10,159 And with a single tribe, the shuar. And with a single tribe, the shuar.
54 00:03:14,114 00:03:16,272 The tribe's ancestral homeland The tribe's ancestral homeland
55 00:03:16,281 00:03:19,712 Lies amongst the tributaries of the amazon river, Lies amongst the tributaries of the amazon river,
56 00:03:19,721 00:03:22,079 In the remote jungle of ecuador. In the remote jungle of ecuador.
57 00:03:24,921 00:03:27,792 With a reputation as fearsome warriors, With a reputation as fearsome warriors,
58 00:03:27,801 00:03:31,239 The shuar were never conquered by the spanish empire. The shuar were never conquered by the spanish empire.
59 00:03:31,314 00:03:34,199 Over thousands of years they mastered the macabre art Over thousands of years they mastered the macabre art
60 00:03:34,274 00:03:38,519 Of head shrinking before it was banned in the 1960s. Of head shrinking before it was banned in the 1960s.
61 00:03:39,561 00:03:43,232 The shuar called these shrunken heads, tsantsa. The shuar called these shrunken heads, tsantsa.
62 00:03:43,241 00:03:46,032 Felipe tsenkush is a former president Felipe tsenkush is a former president
63 00:03:46,041 00:03:47,679 Of the shuar federation. Of the shuar federation.
64 00:04:06,281 00:04:08,752 These weren't trophies of war. These weren't trophies of war.
65 00:04:08,761 00:04:11,552 They were more than simply symbolic. They were more than simply symbolic.
66 00:04:11,561 00:04:13,712 In a world in which the spirits of the dead In a world in which the spirits of the dead
67 00:04:13,721 00:04:15,712 Were as real as the living, Were as real as the living,
68 00:04:15,721 00:04:18,999 Shrunken heads served an important, practical purpose. Shrunken heads served an important, practical purpose.
69 00:04:34,354 00:04:36,199 Houlton: It was not about the physical item. Houlton: It was not about the physical item.
70 00:04:36,274 00:04:39,639 It filled purely a practical, spiritual function. It filled purely a practical, spiritual function.
71 00:04:42,841 00:04:46,239 Mastrelli: Doctor tobias houlton is traveling to the amazon Mastrelli: Doctor tobias houlton is traveling to the amazon
72 00:04:47,481 00:04:51,039 To the historic colonial city of cuenca in ecuador. To the historic colonial city of cuenca in ecuador.
73 00:04:52,441 00:04:55,399 Here on the edge of shuar territory, Here on the edge of shuar territory,
74 00:04:55,474 00:04:59,039 He wants to discover the secrets of shrunken heads. He wants to discover the secrets of shrunken heads.
75 00:05:02,274 00:05:04,112 Houlton: I want to get to understand the whole custom, Houlton: I want to get to understand the whole custom,
76 00:05:04,121 00:05:05,872 The people behind it, The people behind it,
77 00:05:05,881 00:05:08,399 As well as the victims of the head shrinking. As well as the victims of the head shrinking.
78 00:05:11,634 00:05:13,319 Mastrelli: The city's museum is home Mastrelli: The city's museum is home
79 00:05:13,394 00:05:16,279 To south america's largest collection of shrunken heads. To south america's largest collection of shrunken heads.
80 00:05:18,354 00:05:22,199 Houlton hopes these heads, so close to the shuar homeland, Houlton hopes these heads, so close to the shuar homeland,
81 00:05:22,274 00:05:24,832 Will hold more clues about how they were made, Will hold more clues about how they were made,
82 00:05:24,841 00:05:26,079 And who they were. And who they were.
83 00:05:27,074 00:05:31,199 But he's about to discover they're not what he expects. But he's about to discover they're not what he expects.
84 00:05:33,234 00:05:35,239 With specialist imaging technology With specialist imaging technology
85 00:05:35,314 00:05:37,799 Used by crime scene investigators, Used by crime scene investigators,
86 00:05:37,874 00:05:40,639 He examines the heads in forensic detail. He examines the heads in forensic detail.
87 00:05:41,481 00:05:44,992 Infrared reflectology captures infrared wavelengths Infrared reflectology captures infrared wavelengths
88 00:05:45,001 00:05:46,752 Beyond the range of visible light Beyond the range of visible light
89 00:05:46,761 00:05:50,479 To reveal details invisible to the naked eye. To reveal details invisible to the naked eye.
90 00:05:51,641 00:05:53,392 Houlton: The benefit of using this Houlton: The benefit of using this
91 00:05:53,401 00:05:57,319 Is that it will give me a nice defined image of the skin Is that it will give me a nice defined image of the skin
92 00:05:57,394 00:05:59,799 And give me a detailed idea And give me a detailed idea
93 00:05:59,874 00:06:02,599 Of any changes in the skin pattern, Of any changes in the skin pattern,
94 00:06:02,674 00:06:07,639 Which will help identify if this is a ceremonial tsantsa. Which will help identify if this is a ceremonial tsantsa.
95 00:06:08,121 00:06:10,512 Mastrelli: It's the first time this technology has been used Mastrelli: It's the first time this technology has been used
96 00:06:10,521 00:06:13,239 To examine the heads in the museum's collection, To examine the heads in the museum's collection,
97 00:06:14,114 00:06:17,152 Revealing to curator, tamara landivar, Revealing to curator, tamara landivar,
98 00:06:17,161 00:06:20,272 Details she's never seen before. Details she's never seen before.
99 00:06:20,281 00:06:22,759 And almost immediately, houlton sees And almost immediately, houlton sees
100 00:06:22,834 00:06:25,439 There's something strange about this shrunken head. There's something strange about this shrunken head.
101 00:06:27,961 00:06:31,152 There's no doubt this is a human head. There's no doubt this is a human head.
102 00:06:31,161 00:06:33,799 But a genuine ceremonial shrunken head But a genuine ceremonial shrunken head
103 00:06:33,874 00:06:36,519 Should have smooth hairless skin, Should have smooth hairless skin,
104 00:06:36,594 00:06:38,352 Evidence that the head had been prepared Evidence that the head had been prepared
105 00:06:38,361 00:06:40,519 Using the traditional shuar technique Using the traditional shuar technique
106 00:06:40,594 00:06:43,239 Of ironing the skin with a heated rock. Of ironing the skin with a heated rock.
107 00:06:44,681 00:06:47,159 The images reveal the skin on this head The images reveal the skin on this head
108 00:06:47,234 00:06:50,272 Is thicker and rougher than expected. Is thicker and rougher than expected.
109 00:06:50,281 00:06:53,239 Houlton: The individual that was processing this head, Houlton: The individual that was processing this head,
110 00:06:53,314 00:06:55,312 Didn't actually iron the skin Didn't actually iron the skin
111 00:06:55,321 00:06:57,399 In quite the same way as the shuar. In quite the same way as the shuar.
112 00:06:58,434 00:07:01,879 Mastrelli: This subtle detail, invisible to the naked eye, Mastrelli: This subtle detail, invisible to the naked eye,
113 00:07:01,954 00:07:06,599 Suggests this is not a genuine ceremonial shrunken head. Suggests this is not a genuine ceremonial shrunken head.
114 00:07:06,674 00:07:09,312 So if this was not a ritual tsantsa, So if this was not a ritual tsantsa,
115 00:07:09,321 00:07:12,319 What was the story behind this shrunken head? What was the story behind this shrunken head?
116 00:07:14,601 00:07:18,199 By the 1880s, the western mania for shrunken heads By the 1880s, the western mania for shrunken heads
117 00:07:18,274 00:07:20,359 Had triggered a twisted gold rush. Had triggered a twisted gold rush.
118 00:07:21,881 00:07:24,759 And this treasure wasn't mined from the earth, And this treasure wasn't mined from the earth,
119 00:07:24,834 00:07:26,999 It was made from human flesh. It was made from human flesh.
120 00:07:29,074 00:07:31,159 A single shrunken head could be exchanged A single shrunken head could be exchanged
121 00:07:31,234 00:07:35,999 For a gun or a machete, or sold for between $5 and $25. For a gun or a machete, or sold for between $5 and $25.
122 00:07:37,234 00:07:39,232 Not much for a human life, Not much for a human life,
123 00:07:39,241 00:07:42,119 But a small fortune in 19th century ecuador. But a small fortune in 19th century ecuador.
124 00:07:44,121 00:07:46,272 With serious money to be made, With serious money to be made,
125 00:07:46,281 00:07:50,272 The shuar began killing to meet western demand. The shuar began killing to meet western demand.
126 00:07:50,281 00:07:53,679 Tribal warriors became commercial head-hunters. Tribal warriors became commercial head-hunters.
127 00:07:56,274 00:07:59,399 The guns triggered an explosion in violence. The guns triggered an explosion in violence.
128 00:08:02,674 00:08:06,519 As a viscous circle of supply and demand ensued, As a viscous circle of supply and demand ensued,
129 00:08:06,594 00:08:10,432 Blame and retaliation spiraled out of control. Blame and retaliation spiraled out of control.
130 00:08:10,441 00:08:12,199 (explosion from gunshot) (explosion from gunshot)
131 00:08:12,274 00:08:14,199 And it wasn't long before outsiders And it wasn't long before outsiders
132 00:08:14,274 00:08:15,959 Joined the deadly treasure hunt. Joined the deadly treasure hunt.
133 00:08:17,634 00:08:20,519 In the towns and settlements on the edge of the jungle, In the towns and settlements on the edge of the jungle,
134 00:08:20,594 00:08:23,559 Colonial settlers soon learnt the ancient art Colonial settlers soon learnt the ancient art
135 00:08:23,634 00:08:24,599 Of head shrinking. Of head shrinking.
136 00:08:39,641 00:08:40,992 Mastrelli: By the late 19th century, Mastrelli: By the late 19th century,
137 00:08:41,001 00:08:42,992 The shuar and the colonial settlers The shuar and the colonial settlers
138 00:08:43,001 00:08:45,319 Were all making shrunken heads to sell. Were all making shrunken heads to sell.
139 00:08:49,234 00:08:52,599 For the shuar, as victims and perpetrators, For the shuar, as victims and perpetrators,
140 00:08:52,674 00:08:56,319 The consequences of this twisted trade were catastrophic. The consequences of this twisted trade were catastrophic.
141 00:08:58,914 00:09:03,879 The proud shuar tribe was pushed to the brink of extinction. The proud shuar tribe was pushed to the brink of extinction.
142 00:09:26,514 00:09:28,352 Gradually, victorian obsession Gradually, victorian obsession
143 00:09:28,361 00:09:30,119 Turned to modern repulsion. Turned to modern repulsion.
144 00:09:31,001 00:09:35,159 From the 1930s onwards, the trade in shrunken heads declined From the 1930s onwards, the trade in shrunken heads declined
145 00:09:36,041 00:09:37,472 Until it was eventually banned Until it was eventually banned
146 00:09:37,481 00:09:40,759 By the ecuadorian government in the 1960s. By the ecuadorian government in the 1960s.
147 00:09:42,194 00:09:45,599 Now, doctor tobias houlton wants to set the record straight. Now, doctor tobias houlton wants to set the record straight.
148 00:09:48,274 00:09:50,519 He wants to help restore the shuar's reputation He wants to help restore the shuar's reputation
149 00:09:50,594 00:09:55,119 As a proud ancient people, using 21st century technology. As a proud ancient people, using 21st century technology.
150 00:09:56,194 00:09:57,952 But first he must learn But first he must learn
151 00:09:57,961 00:10:00,679 The centuries old craft of head shrinking. The centuries old craft of head shrinking.
152 00:10:03,714 00:10:06,359 Anthropologist, doctor tobias houlton is on a mission Anthropologist, doctor tobias houlton is on a mission
153 00:10:06,434 00:10:09,472 To reveal the secrets of shrunken heads. To reveal the secrets of shrunken heads.
154 00:10:09,481 00:10:10,912 In cuenca, ecuador, In cuenca, ecuador,
155 00:10:10,921 00:10:12,672 He's been investigating this ancient ritual, He's been investigating this ancient ritual,
156 00:10:12,681 00:10:14,919 But now he's hoping to learn more from the tribal elders But now he's hoping to learn more from the tribal elders
157 00:10:14,994 00:10:18,439 Of the shuar and apply his findings in a unique experiment, Of the shuar and apply his findings in a unique experiment,
158 00:10:18,514 00:10:20,399 One that has been years in the making. One that has been years in the making.
159 00:10:24,594 00:10:28,039 Houlton: My earliest experience of witnessing a shrunken head Houlton: My earliest experience of witnessing a shrunken head
160 00:10:28,114 00:10:29,552 Must have been when I was in school, Must have been when I was in school,
161 00:10:29,561 00:10:33,072 Aged near enough nine, ten years old. Aged near enough nine, ten years old.
162 00:10:33,081 00:10:34,839 And I remember walking into a museum And I remember walking into a museum
163 00:10:34,914 00:10:37,319 And seeing this specimen on display, And seeing this specimen on display,
164 00:10:37,394 00:10:40,992 And immediately questions were ringing in my head. And immediately questions were ringing in my head.
165 00:10:41,001 00:10:43,559 Who produced these incredible specimens? Who produced these incredible specimens?
166 00:10:43,634 00:10:44,439 How did they do it? How did they do it?
167 00:10:44,514 00:10:45,559 Why did they do it? Why did they do it?
168 00:10:46,514 00:10:49,232 Mastrelli: More recently, houlton has been captivated Mastrelli: More recently, houlton has been captivated
169 00:10:49,241 00:10:51,479 By one head above all others. By one head above all others.
170 00:10:52,354 00:10:55,719 The shrunken head of a man given to the mcmanus museum The shrunken head of a man given to the mcmanus museum
171 00:10:55,794 00:10:58,999 In dundee, scotland in 1923. In dundee, scotland in 1923.
172 00:11:00,834 00:11:02,992 Doctor tobias houlton wants to discover Doctor tobias houlton wants to discover
173 00:11:03,001 00:11:05,519 The effects of the shrinking process. The effects of the shrinking process.
174 00:11:06,754 00:11:08,352 Then with this information, Then with this information,
175 00:11:08,361 00:11:11,392 He'll attempt to reverse engineer the process He'll attempt to reverse engineer the process
176 00:11:11,401 00:11:14,519 That turned this man into a shrunken head, That turned this man into a shrunken head,
177 00:11:15,474 00:11:18,359 To create a computer-generated reconstruction To create a computer-generated reconstruction
178 00:11:18,434 00:11:21,952 Of the man's face as he looked in life. Of the man's face as he looked in life.
179 00:11:21,961 00:11:25,392 Houlton: I want to go ahead and reconstruct a shrunken head Houlton: I want to go ahead and reconstruct a shrunken head
180 00:11:25,401 00:11:28,592 To its original full human form. To its original full human form.
181 00:11:28,601 00:11:30,679 And this is essentially to raise the dignity And this is essentially to raise the dignity
182 00:11:30,754 00:11:33,632 Of that individual and remind everyone Of that individual and remind everyone
183 00:11:33,641 00:11:36,119 That this was actually a human being. That this was actually a human being.
184 00:11:36,194 00:11:37,399 Mastrelli: The trade in heads Mastrelli: The trade in heads
185 00:11:37,474 00:11:39,872 Was banned over half a century ago, Was banned over half a century ago,
186 00:11:39,881 00:11:43,079 But the physical process of making a ceremonial head But the physical process of making a ceremonial head
187 00:11:43,154 00:11:44,992 Has been handed down by word of mouth Has been handed down by word of mouth
188 00:11:45,001 00:11:46,839 To today's tribal elders. To today's tribal elders.
189 00:11:49,794 00:11:54,039 Shuar tribal elder, nawech entsa kayap pedro, Shuar tribal elder, nawech entsa kayap pedro,
190 00:11:54,114 00:11:56,119 Is one of the few people alive today Is one of the few people alive today
191 00:11:56,194 00:11:59,199 Who know how to make a ceremonial tsantsa. Who know how to make a ceremonial tsantsa.
192 00:12:00,361 00:12:03,479 For houlton, this meeting is a unique opportunity For houlton, this meeting is a unique opportunity
193 00:12:03,554 00:12:07,879 To discover the secrets of the tsantsa at first hand. To discover the secrets of the tsantsa at first hand.
194 00:12:19,001 00:12:20,992 Mastrelli: Nawech shares his ancient knowledge, Mastrelli: Nawech shares his ancient knowledge,
195 00:12:21,001 00:12:22,992 Providing a blow by blow account Providing a blow by blow account
196 00:12:23,001 00:12:25,439 Of how to shrink a human head. Of how to shrink a human head.
197 00:12:30,594 00:12:32,112 As houlton listens, As houlton listens,
198 00:12:32,121 00:12:35,952 Nawech explains the process in detail, Nawech explains the process in detail,
199 00:12:35,961 00:12:39,712 How to remove the skull, eyes and tongue, How to remove the skull, eyes and tongue,
200 00:12:39,721 00:12:43,239 How to treat the skin and how to dry it out. How to treat the skin and how to dry it out.
201 00:12:51,081 00:12:53,959 Mastrelli: This unique insight reveals the ritual Mastrelli: This unique insight reveals the ritual
202 00:12:54,034 00:12:55,552 And technical complexity And technical complexity
203 00:12:55,561 00:12:59,079 Of making a genuine ceremonial shrunken head. Of making a genuine ceremonial shrunken head.
204 00:13:00,594 00:13:02,752 Houlton: To actually preserve a human head Houlton: To actually preserve a human head
205 00:13:02,761 00:13:04,599 Within a hot and humid environment Within a hot and humid environment
206 00:13:04,674 00:13:06,999 Is something that doesn't come naturally. Is something that doesn't come naturally.
207 00:13:07,074 00:13:09,152 So the intelligence and sophistication So the intelligence and sophistication
208 00:13:09,161 00:13:11,559 That they had to practice in order to mummify That they had to practice in order to mummify
209 00:13:11,634 00:13:14,599 These heads is quite astonishing. These heads is quite astonishing.
210 00:13:14,674 00:13:18,039 And the ability to preserve a head for over a hundred years And the ability to preserve a head for over a hundred years
211 00:13:18,114 00:13:20,512 Within an amazon rainforest condition Within an amazon rainforest condition
212 00:13:20,521 00:13:22,239 Is really quite incredible. Is really quite incredible.
213 00:13:23,321 00:13:24,759 Mastrelli: Houlton's trip to ecuador Mastrelli: Houlton's trip to ecuador
214 00:13:24,834 00:13:27,319 Has given him step -by-step instructions Has given him step -by-step instructions
215 00:13:27,394 00:13:29,319 On how to shrink a head. On how to shrink a head.
216 00:13:30,201 00:13:33,999 Now, he must put this new-found knowledge into practice. Now, he must put this new-found knowledge into practice.
217 00:13:34,921 00:13:36,032 His goal? His goal?
218 00:13:36,041 00:13:38,119 To create a shrunken head. To create a shrunken head.
219 00:13:39,634 00:13:42,352 With smooth, relatively hairless skin, With smooth, relatively hairless skin,
220 00:13:42,361 00:13:46,672 A pig's head provides the closet analogy to a human head. A pig's head provides the closet analogy to a human head.
221 00:13:46,681 00:13:49,392 Houlton: So I'm just taking dimensions across the face, Houlton: So I'm just taking dimensions across the face,
222 00:13:49,401 00:13:51,872 And this will act as a means of comparison And this will act as a means of comparison
223 00:13:51,881 00:13:54,519 Following head shrinking to get a general idea Following head shrinking to get a general idea
224 00:13:54,594 00:13:56,919 Of how much the head's reduced. Of how much the head's reduced.
225 00:13:56,994 00:13:59,159 Mastrelli: Using the techniques learned in ecuador, Mastrelli: Using the techniques learned in ecuador,
226 00:13:59,234 00:14:02,512 Houlton begins the gruesome process. Houlton begins the gruesome process.
227 00:14:02,521 00:14:04,759 First, he removes the one thing First, he removes the one thing
228 00:14:04,834 00:14:07,392 That won't shrink, the skull. That won't shrink, the skull.
229 00:14:07,401 00:14:09,632 Houlton: What most people don't realize is that the shuar Houlton: What most people don't realize is that the shuar
230 00:14:09,641 00:14:12,999 Had to remove the skull in order to make shrinkage possible. Had to remove the skull in order to make shrinkage possible.
231 00:14:13,074 00:14:16,359 So that's the reason for removing the skin from the head. So that's the reason for removing the skin from the head.
232 00:14:17,714 00:14:21,199 Mastrelli: Next, three wooden pins seal the mouth shut. Mastrelli: Next, three wooden pins seal the mouth shut.
233 00:14:22,201 00:14:25,559 Houlton: Amongst the shuar, it was essential that the mouth Houlton: Amongst the shuar, it was essential that the mouth
234 00:14:25,634 00:14:28,592 Was well and truly fastened because that was believed Was well and truly fastened because that was believed
235 00:14:28,601 00:14:32,432 To be the central orifice that the enemy's spirits To be the central orifice that the enemy's spirits
236 00:14:32,441 00:14:33,439 Would escape from. Would escape from.
237 00:14:35,074 00:14:38,079 Mastrelli: He uses thick twine to sew the eyes shut. Mastrelli: He uses thick twine to sew the eyes shut.
238 00:14:39,314 00:14:43,072 Houlton: So the significance of stitching the eyelids shut Houlton: So the significance of stitching the eyelids shut
239 00:14:43,081 00:14:45,632 Was that it was a means of trapping Was that it was a means of trapping
240 00:14:45,641 00:14:47,799 The enemy's spirits within the head. The enemy's spirits within the head.
241 00:14:49,321 00:14:51,552 Mastrelli: With the mouth and eyes sealed, Mastrelli: With the mouth and eyes sealed,
242 00:14:51,561 00:14:54,439 Houlton places the head into boiling water Houlton places the head into boiling water
243 00:14:54,514 00:14:56,119 And leaves it for an hour. And leaves it for an hour.
244 00:14:57,314 00:14:58,759 Like human skin, Like human skin,
245 00:14:58,834 00:15:01,872 The pig's skin is made up of collagen fibers, The pig's skin is made up of collagen fibers,
246 00:15:01,881 00:15:04,512 And when these fibers are exposed to temperatures And when these fibers are exposed to temperatures
247 00:15:04,521 00:15:07,879 Above 145 degrees, they contract, Above 145 degrees, they contract,
248 00:15:07,954 00:15:10,119 Causing the skin to shrink. Causing the skin to shrink.
249 00:15:16,281 00:15:19,552 To dry the skin and shrink the head even further, To dry the skin and shrink the head even further,
250 00:15:19,561 00:15:23,632 Houlton fills it with hot pebbles and sand. Houlton fills it with hot pebbles and sand.
251 00:15:23,641 00:15:26,199 This absorbs any remaining moisture. This absorbs any remaining moisture.
252 00:15:28,841 00:15:31,279 Finally, he irons the skin. Finally, he irons the skin.
253 00:15:32,194 00:15:34,439 Houlton: This is essentially the final touches Houlton: This is essentially the final touches
254 00:15:34,514 00:15:36,352 Of the head shrinking process. Of the head shrinking process.
255 00:15:36,361 00:15:40,272 What I'm doing is taking a hot flat pebble What I'm doing is taking a hot flat pebble
256 00:15:40,281 00:15:42,832 And ironing the outer face with it. And ironing the outer face with it.
257 00:15:42,841 00:15:45,392 And what this is doing is helping me mold the skin And what this is doing is helping me mold the skin
258 00:15:45,401 00:15:49,279 And dry it out entirely from the outside. And dry it out entirely from the outside.
259 00:15:50,761 00:15:52,279 Mastrelli: By the end of the process, Mastrelli: By the end of the process,
260 00:15:52,354 00:15:54,759 The pig's head is significantly smaller. The pig's head is significantly smaller.
261 00:15:56,434 00:15:57,879 Now that he's seen first hand Now that he's seen first hand
262 00:15:57,954 00:16:00,512 How the shrinking process changes a head, How the shrinking process changes a head,
263 00:16:00,521 00:16:03,559 Houlton can embark on the final part of his quest. Houlton can embark on the final part of his quest.
264 00:16:04,601 00:16:06,992 Houlton: The next stage is to take all the information Houlton: The next stage is to take all the information
265 00:16:07,001 00:16:10,112 That I've gotten so far and actually go through the process That I've gotten so far and actually go through the process
266 00:16:10,121 00:16:13,232 Of reconstructing the face of a shrunken head Of reconstructing the face of a shrunken head
267 00:16:13,241 00:16:15,919 To revive the warrior that once existed. To revive the warrior that once existed.
268 00:16:17,714 00:16:20,912 Mastrelli: Using cutting edge computer modeling technology, Mastrelli: Using cutting edge computer modeling technology,
269 00:16:20,921 00:16:22,359 Houlton will attempt something Houlton will attempt something
270 00:16:22,434 00:16:24,839 That's never been done before, That's never been done before,
271 00:16:24,914 00:16:28,039 To reverse the head shrinking process To reverse the head shrinking process
272 00:16:28,114 00:16:31,279 And discover the man behind the shrunken head. And discover the man behind the shrunken head.
273 00:16:36,034 00:16:39,952 On a mission to reveal the secrets of shrunken heads, On a mission to reveal the secrets of shrunken heads,
274 00:16:39,961 00:16:43,152 Facial anatomy expert, doctor tobias houlton, Facial anatomy expert, doctor tobias houlton,
275 00:16:43,161 00:16:45,439 Has discovered how to shrink a head. Has discovered how to shrink a head.
276 00:16:47,161 00:16:50,352 Now he's ready to reverse the process, Now he's ready to reverse the process,
277 00:16:50,361 00:16:54,559 And reveal how one victim would have looked in life. And reveal how one victim would have looked in life.
278 00:16:55,561 00:16:57,639 Houlton: It's not gonna right the wrongs of the past, Houlton: It's not gonna right the wrongs of the past,
279 00:16:57,714 00:17:01,399 But at least we're bringing back the human being But at least we're bringing back the human being
280 00:17:01,474 00:17:06,439 From what is essentially looked upon as a museum artifact, From what is essentially looked upon as a museum artifact,
281 00:17:07,154 00:17:08,679 Or a cultural specimen. Or a cultural specimen.
282 00:17:11,154 00:17:13,072 (dramatic music) (dramatic music)
283 00:17:13,081 00:17:14,912 Mastrelli: Houlton has traveled to liverpool's Mastrelli: Houlton has traveled to liverpool's
284 00:17:14,921 00:17:17,319 John moores university in the u.K. John moores university in the u.K.
285 00:17:19,474 00:17:21,879 Here, at the renowned face lab, Here, at the renowned face lab,
286 00:17:21,954 00:17:23,959 Facial reconstruction expert, Facial reconstruction expert,
287 00:17:24,034 00:17:27,472 Professor caroline wilkinson has given a face Professor caroline wilkinson has given a face
288 00:17:27,481 00:17:30,112 To thousands of john and jane does, To thousands of john and jane does,
289 00:17:30,121 00:17:32,599 And helped solve hundreds of murders And helped solve hundreds of murders
290 00:17:32,674 00:17:34,759 And archeological mysteries, And archeological mysteries,
291 00:17:34,834 00:17:38,359 But this could be her toughest case yet. But this could be her toughest case yet.
292 00:17:38,434 00:17:40,999 Wilkinson: Usually with the facial reconstruction process, Wilkinson: Usually with the facial reconstruction process,
293 00:17:41,074 00:17:43,232 What we're doing is we're looking at the structure What we're doing is we're looking at the structure
294 00:17:43,241 00:17:47,079 Of the skull and the details of the bones of the skull Of the skull and the details of the bones of the skull
295 00:17:47,154 00:17:50,359 To tell us about the soft tissue features. To tell us about the soft tissue features.
296 00:17:50,434 00:17:52,992 Mastrelli: But shrunken heads have no skulls. Mastrelli: But shrunken heads have no skulls.
297 00:17:53,001 00:17:56,352 The skull is removed to allow the head to shrink. The skull is removed to allow the head to shrink.
298 00:17:56,361 00:17:59,152 Wilkinson: In this case, since we don't have a skull, Wilkinson: In this case, since we don't have a skull,
299 00:17:59,161 00:18:01,312 We're going to use a template skull, We're going to use a template skull,
300 00:18:01,321 00:18:04,359 Which is a typical skull from that part of the world Which is a typical skull from that part of the world
301 00:18:04,434 00:18:07,679 Of a similar age and gender to our target individual. Of a similar age and gender to our target individual.
302 00:18:08,834 00:18:11,552 Mastrelli: Using a template skull is standard practice Mastrelli: Using a template skull is standard practice
303 00:18:11,561 00:18:15,639 In forensic and archeological facial reconstructions In forensic and archeological facial reconstructions
304 00:18:15,714 00:18:19,239 Where part of the skull is missing or badly damaged. Where part of the skull is missing or badly damaged.
305 00:18:20,274 00:18:22,752 It won't provide a perfect likeness, It won't provide a perfect likeness,
306 00:18:22,761 00:18:25,639 But it's the best solution with the available evidence. But it's the best solution with the available evidence.
307 00:18:26,754 00:18:30,992 Wilkinson: We can use that template to unfold and inflate Wilkinson: We can use that template to unfold and inflate
308 00:18:31,001 00:18:34,599 That shrunken head so that we can build the facial features That shrunken head so that we can build the facial features
309 00:18:34,674 00:18:37,639 And slowly build up the facial appearance of the individual. And slowly build up the facial appearance of the individual.
310 00:18:38,674 00:18:40,432 Mastrelli: Houlton's analysis has established Mastrelli: Houlton's analysis has established
311 00:18:40,441 00:18:42,439 Shrunken heads are, on average, Shrunken heads are, on average,
312 00:18:42,514 00:18:44,839 A fifth of their original size. A fifth of their original size.
313 00:18:45,714 00:18:47,552 So to reverse the process, So to reverse the process,
314 00:18:47,561 00:18:51,439 The head must be scaled up to five times its current size. The head must be scaled up to five times its current size.
315 00:18:52,994 00:18:54,359 Wilkinson: You need a bit of growth on the cranium, Wilkinson: You need a bit of growth on the cranium,
316 00:18:54,434 00:18:55,239 Don't you? Don't you?
317 00:18:55,314 00:18:55,959 Houlton: Yeah. Yeah. Houlton: Yeah. Yeah.
318 00:18:57,154 00:19:00,432 Mastrelli: The nose and mouth require careful attention. Mastrelli: The nose and mouth require careful attention.
319 00:19:00,441 00:19:04,359 The mouth has become distorted by being pinned shut. The mouth has become distorted by being pinned shut.
320 00:19:04,434 00:19:06,999 And without a skull to hold it in place, And without a skull to hold it in place,
321 00:19:07,074 00:19:10,679 The nose has retracted upwards as it shrunk. The nose has retracted upwards as it shrunk.
322 00:19:10,754 00:19:12,919 To correct these exaggerations, To correct these exaggerations,
323 00:19:12,994 00:19:15,159 Houlton turns to early photographs Houlton turns to early photographs
324 00:19:15,234 00:19:18,512 Of shuar tribesmen as a reference point. Of shuar tribesmen as a reference point.
325 00:19:18,521 00:19:21,159 Wilkinson: If we push the mouth back in, Wilkinson: If we push the mouth back in,
326 00:19:21,234 00:19:24,272 And then this is pretty much there around the top. And then this is pretty much there around the top.
327 00:19:24,281 00:19:25,712 Houlton: Sure. Houlton: Sure.
328 00:19:25,721 00:19:27,952 Mastrelli: Houlton uses tissue depth markers Mastrelli: Houlton uses tissue depth markers
329 00:19:27,961 00:19:31,392 Based on data from average indigenous americans Based on data from average indigenous americans
330 00:19:31,401 00:19:35,632 To digitally reinstate the tissue, fat and muscle To digitally reinstate the tissue, fat and muscle
331 00:19:35,641 00:19:38,319 Destroyed during the shrinking process, Destroyed during the shrinking process,
332 00:19:40,034 00:19:42,319 And give the face back its shape. And give the face back its shape.
333 00:19:44,281 00:19:46,432 With the facial structure in place, With the facial structure in place,
334 00:19:46,441 00:19:49,799 Skin texture and typical shuar body ornamentation Skin texture and typical shuar body ornamentation
335 00:19:49,874 00:19:51,632 Can be added. Can be added.
336 00:19:51,641 00:19:54,352 Bamboo tubes decorated with red and yellow Bamboo tubes decorated with red and yellow
337 00:19:54,361 00:19:56,199 Toucan feathers pierce the ears. Toucan feathers pierce the ears.
338 00:19:57,321 00:19:59,959 Wilkinson: We can use cutting edge cgi techniques Wilkinson: We can use cutting edge cgi techniques
339 00:20:00,034 00:20:01,952 For adding the skin and the hair, For adding the skin and the hair,
340 00:20:01,961 00:20:05,079 And the other realistic details of the face. And the other realistic details of the face.
341 00:20:05,154 00:20:08,759 Mastrelli: Finally, the program renders the fine details Mastrelli: Finally, the program renders the fine details
342 00:20:08,834 00:20:10,759 And the process is complete. And the process is complete.
343 00:20:12,841 00:20:15,552 At least a hundred years after his death, At least a hundred years after his death,
344 00:20:15,561 00:20:18,919 Five thousand miles from his birth place, Five thousand miles from his birth place,
345 00:20:18,994 00:20:22,359 A shuar warrior stares out from the screen. A shuar warrior stares out from the screen.
346 00:20:23,474 00:20:26,032 Wilkinson: Is this the face you expected? Wilkinson: Is this the face you expected?
347 00:20:26,041 00:20:28,752 Houlton: Well, it certainly looks like a shuar warrior. Houlton: Well, it certainly looks like a shuar warrior.
348 00:20:28,761 00:20:29,639 Wilkinson: It does. Wilkinson: It does.
349 00:20:29,714 00:20:31,399 Houlton: So yeah. Houlton: So yeah.
350 00:20:31,474 00:20:31,999 Wilkinson: It looks amazing. Houlton: It's impressive, yeah. Wilkinson: It looks amazing. Houlton: It's impressive, yeah.
351 00:20:33,074 00:20:35,559 Mastrelli: From amazonian warrior Mastrelli: From amazonian warrior
352 00:20:35,634 00:20:39,159 To victorian collector's item and back. To victorian collector's item and back.
353 00:20:40,834 00:20:43,079 Houlton: They're more than just head shrinkers. Houlton: They're more than just head shrinkers.
354 00:20:43,154 00:20:47,399 That's one very small element of their identity. That's one very small element of their identity.
355 00:20:47,474 00:20:50,192 You know, they're botanists, they're horticulturalists. You know, they're botanists, they're horticulturalists.
356 00:20:50,201 00:20:52,352 They understand their environments. They understand their environments.
357 00:20:52,361 00:20:54,959 They know how to survive in the amazon rainforest. They know how to survive in the amazon rainforest.
358 00:21:24,754 00:21:26,999 Mastrelli: The story of shrunken heads and this man Mastrelli: The story of shrunken heads and this man
359 00:21:27,074 00:21:29,879 Is more than a story of macabre museum pieces Is more than a story of macabre museum pieces
360 00:21:29,954 00:21:31,552 And victorian oddities. And victorian oddities.
361 00:21:31,561 00:21:33,479 It's the story of a society, It's the story of a society,
362 00:21:33,554 00:21:37,719 Of victims and the exploitation of ancient rituals. Of victims and the exploitation of ancient rituals.
363 00:21:37,794 00:21:39,239 While little attention was paid While little attention was paid
364 00:21:39,314 00:21:41,559 To the provenance of these shrunken heads, To the provenance of these shrunken heads,
365 00:21:41,634 00:21:44,119 Today they have sparked a greater ethical debate Today they have sparked a greater ethical debate
366 00:21:44,194 00:21:47,079 On the display of human remains in museums. On the display of human remains in museums.
367 00:21:47,154 00:21:50,679 In case you're wondering, in 1995 the smithsonian's In case you're wondering, in 1995 the smithsonian's
368 00:21:50,754 00:21:54,119 National museum of the american indian led the way National museum of the american indian led the way
369 00:21:54,194 00:21:57,392 By becoming the first to repatriate its collection By becoming the first to repatriate its collection
370 00:21:57,401 00:21:58,919 To the shuar federation. To the shuar federation.