10/03/07

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Romney Hall, Public Affairs Coordinator, UNI Museums, (319) 273-2188
Vicki Grimes, University Marketing & Public Relations, (319) 273-6728

Note to editors/news directors:  High-resolution images are available at
http://www.uni.edu/pubrel/newsroom/photos/HeadShaping.jpg
http://www.uni.edu/pubrel/newsroom/photos/TO'Brien.jpg

UNI Museums to host head-shaping talk
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- The University of Northern Iowa Museum will host "Abnormal Head Shape: Beauty is in the Eye of the Molder," a presentation by Tyler O'Brien, UNI assistant professor of anthropology, at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, at the University Museum, located at 3219 Hudson Road, Cedar Falls.
O'Brien's lecture will address the practice of artificial cranial deformation (ACD) and will cover such topics as the techniques used in head shaping, the forms produced, and the cultures around the world that engage in this procedure. Comparisons to craniosynostosis, a genetic disorder that can produce skull alterations similar to those resulting from ACD, will also be discussed. 
"Head shaping is an intriguing topic in part because it feels so removed from our modern day life," states Romney Hall, public affairs coordinator for the UNI Museums. "In actuality, though, ACD is still performed, albeit by milder methods."
"Abnormal Head Shape: Beauty is in the Eye of the Molder," is being presented in connection with the University Museum's current featured exhibit, "Body Art: Adornment Across Cultures," on display now through Dec. 23.
Admission to the museum and lecture is free and open to the public.  For additional information, please visit www.uni.edu/museum or call (319) 273-2188.
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