<P> The two main head shapes of cranial modification for the Maya were erect deformation and oblique deformation . Erect deformation was modification through the use of cradle boards, which often left the occipital flattening asymmetrical, and affected a child's mobility . Oblique deformation was modification through the use of a paddle applied to the head and was sometimes in use with a frontal board and bandaging . This type of deformation did not cause problems with mobility . Practiced by all members of society, there were distinct differences of temporal and regional preferences . </P> <P> During the Preclassic period, 2000 B.C.--A.D. 250, Maya skull modification imitated the head form of Olmec gods depicted throughout Olmec artwork . With the use of new and different techniques emerging in the Classic period, A.D. 250 - 900, new cranial modification styles were endured, possibly as an indicator of membership within a kin group, or as a sign of a specific status . Additionally, in the Classic period, the general population used the erect deformation style of modification, while children expected to have high - status positions were given oblique deformation . Around A.D. 900, the modification style standardized, and most human remains were found with tall skulls and flattened foreheads, the same modifications documented by the Spaniards when they arrived in Mesoamerica . </P> <P> Regional differences in cranial modification styles were also evident . Within the Western Maya lowlands, the popular style of modification imitated the shape of the Maize God's head, and therefore, more people were discovered to have slanted skulls . High - status Maya mothers would artificially induce cross-eyedness (strabismus) and would strap on boards to flatten the foreheads of high - born infants as a lifelong sign of noble status . The eye condition was used to honor Kinich Ahau, the cross-eyed sun god of the Maya . Across the Guatemala highlands, erect deformation shapes were more likely to be used, and sometimes a band was placed vertically down the head to separate the head into two distinct sections . Cranial modification was able to draw lines between different ethnic groups, as well as represent social status / hierarchy within an individual culture . </P> <P> Most evidence of cranial deformation is found through osteological remains discovered through archaeological excavation of Maya sites . Through analysis of the different forms of the skulls, osteologists are able to differentiate between little difference in deformation styles to help understand minute differences between styles, and what these differences may mean . Interpretation of these different cranium types has been debated, but it is clear the shapes are different dependent based on time and region . As stated previously, Spanish and other European records provided detailed descriptions of cranium modification within their historical records . Some of the information the Spaniards recorded included the different types of methods, and the popular materials used for cranium modification . Lastly, other archaeological remains including art depictions, or figurines exhibiting modified skull shape help to illuminate the importance of distinguishing one's self through the various types of modification . </P>

Who made the decisions in the mayan society