10,000 BC: The Unangan (Aleut) perform surgery

Unlike other tribes at this time, the Unangan peoples in the Aleutian Islands west of Alaska understand anatomy because they autopsy their enemies and slaves. Other contemporary cultures learn about anatomy only from animal remains. Archaeological evidence indicates that the Unangan were capable surgeons.

The Unangan peoples living in the Aleutian Islands practice mummification and postmortem examinations and have extensive medicinal knowledge. Both men and women are healers (shamans, herbalists, surgeons). They visit hot springs for healing, ease childbirth through saunas, and use massage to reposition the fetus when necessary.

Theme

Medicine Ways

Region

Arctic