This Skeleton May Prove That Imperial China Really Did Cut Off Noses as Punishment

This archaeological find offers rare physical evidence corroborating historical Chinese texts describing yi, a punishment involving nose amputation, giving historians tangible confirmation of ancient judicial practices previously known only through written records. The discovery also sheds light on social attitudes toward punished individuals, including the shame associated with such penalties even after medical treatment.

• A skeleton shows evidence of nose amputation, potentially confirming historical accounts of ancient Chinese corporal punishment.
• The individual received medical care after the procedure, suggesting some level of treatment even for punished criminals.
• Despite receiving care, the woman was buried in a manner reflecting social shame, indicating lasting stigma tied to the punishment.