What is Melungeon Skull Bump? A Trait of Appalachia’s Lost Tribe

What if you discovered that you are actually a descendant of a lost tribe of Appalachia? Well, for a native in the Kentucky area, Carol Huff, that was the case. She discovered that she was actually a descendant of Melungeon ancestry.

For many years, this tribe’s existence has been buried, but in recent times people have begun to notice it again. While there are many characteristics of the tribe, one thing that is unique is the Melungeon bump.

This mysterious physical feature, which is often referred to as a slight elevation or bump at the back of the head, has piqued the interest of many people. In this article today, we will look at what the Melungeon bump really is, where it came from, its significance, and all the ongoing discussions about this mysterious skull bump.

Melungeons: What Is The Lost Tribe Of Appalachia?

First, we’ll take a closer look at what the lost tribe of Appalachia is. It’s actually a term that refers to a very specific family from Graysville, Tennessee. There aren’t a lot of documents on the family, but one photo has surfaced, which was supposedly taken in 1920 and is available on Wikimedia Commons. The photograph shows quite a diverse family, which clearly explains the large variety of descendants that have been associated with the Melungeons.

There is one important factor that we do need to consider here. In the modern day, there is a more generalized term, or rather explanation, for the term “Melungeon.” The Melungeon Heritage Association, a non-profit organization, documents details about the Melungeon ancestry – and they generally consider people from the Southern area of Western Virginia, the Eastern side of Tennessee, and the Southwestern regions of Virginia as part of this ancestry.

The Melungeons, or the lost tribe of Appalachia, that we’re talking of are of similar ancestry, but also very specifically focused on one particular family – and their potential descendants. These people are said to have lived in parts of Appalachia, and there are different opinions about specifics, such as their actual ethnicity.

Now that we’ve talked about who Melungeons are, let’s talk about the Melungeon bump.

What Is The Melungeon Skull Bump?

The Melungeon people have long fascinated researchers and enthusiasts alike in the realm of ancestry and physical characteristics. Among the many fascinating aspects, one notable phenomenon that has attracted attention is this so-called ‘Melungeon bump.’ In fact, when you look at publications about this family and the ancestry, the Melungeon bump is something that often comes up.

A Melungeon Bump is just a slight bump or ridge on the back of the head that has been observed in some individuals of Melungeon descent.

The Melungeon bump is a small, rounded protrusion at the occipital bone, the bone at the base of the skull. While this bump is not exclusive to people of Melungeon descent, it has been noted as a distinctive trait in some members of this community.

How do you know if you have this bump?

First of all, it’s important to know that it’s not something that you can see in every single descendant, as it only seems to affect some.

There are different ways to find out if you have this bump. The bump is usually found just above the area where your head meets the neck. The size of the bump would be described by most people as about half the size of a golf ball. In some people it’s bigger, so it’s more noticeable. However, in some cases, these bumps are very small and will need a more thorough approach to be identified.

Its Origin and Significance

There aren’t many details about why exactly people of this descent have this type of bump at the back of their heads. Additionally, there is no ample academic or scientific documentation on this particular Melungeon Bump. It could be that details about the Melungeons only began to surface in recent years.

However, several theories and speculations have emerged to explain the presence of the Melungeon bump:

• Genetic Heritage: Some believe that the Melungeon bump could be a genetic trait passed down from one or more of the ancestral groups that comprise the Melungeon population. This theory implies that the bump could have been passed down through generations from particular ethnic origins.
• Lifestyle: Others propose that environmental factors, such as the lifestyle of the Melungeon people, could have contributed to the development of this feature. For instance, some suggest that it may have resulted from head binding practices or a particular way of carrying heavy loads.

So, if you’re wondering, what’s the significance of this Melungeon bump? Well, the significance of the Melungeon bump remains uncertain. While it’s an interesting anthropological curiosity, it’s important not to make huge leaps of conclusions about an individual’s ancestry or identity based solely on the presence of this feature. Like any other group, the Melungeons have a complex, diverse heritage that cannot be summed up in a single physical trait.

In addition, the Melungeon bump should not overshadow the broader historical and cultural contributions of the Melungeon community. Their unique blend of traditions, languages, and customs reflects the diverse Appalachian heritage.

Conclusion

The Melungeons, also known as the lost tribe of Appalachia, were a specific tribe of people of different ethnicities. Some say that this family had Jewish, African, American Indian, Turkish, Arabic, and Portuguese descendants.

If you are one of those who discover you are part of this particular ancestry, you may notice a unique bump at the back of your head, and if so, it is generally called the Melungeon bump.