Frequently Asked Questions: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 05:05, 24 April 2024

What are the Nazca mummies? Edit

The Nazca mummies are a collection of ancient human remains discovered in the Nazca region of Peru. In 2015, these mummified bodies were unearthed from a network of subterranean tunnels near the famous Nazca Lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert landscape.

How were they discovered? Edit

In 2015, Leandro Rivera, a Peruvian huaquero (grave robber), discovered three mummies ranging from 40 cm to 61 cm in length while exploring caves at an undisclosed location. Rivera, who had a personal connection with a doctor at the University of Inka in Lima, Peru, sold the specimens to the doctor for research purposes. The exact location of the caves where the mummies were found remains unknown to protect the site from further unauthorized excavations and potential damage to the archaeological context.

Wasn't this debunked already? Edit

That debunk is primarily based on Flavio Estrada's analysis for the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. Estrada claimed that the mummies' heads were made from modified llama skulls and their bodies from glued animal parts, but the UNICA team refuted these assertions. Estrada's conclusions may be influenced by his bias against UFO and alien research, as his report focused on discrediting such topics. Other counterclaims about the mummies' hands and bones being "wrong" have been addressed by radiologist Dr. Mary K. Jesse, who noted their unique anatomy without signs of fabrication.

Multiple intact bodies have been subjected to X-ray, CT scan, and fluoroscopy imaging. The results consistently demonstrate that the skeletal structures are complete and undamaged, without any evidence of dissection or reassembly. Once a bone has been severed, it is not possible to reconstruct it into a cohesive form without leaving clear indications of the alterations, which would be readily apparent in the imaging studies.

Is Jaime Maussan a hoaxer? Edit

Jaime Maussan, a Mexican journalist and ufologist known for hosting the TV show "Tercer Milenio," has a polarizing reputation within the paranormal community. While he commands a dedicated following, critics have accused him of promoting unverified and occasionally debunked stories. However, despite instances where material he showcased was later identified as hoaxes or misinterpretations, there is no evidence to suggest that Maussan is a hoaxer who deliberately fabricates stories. His interest appears to lie in exploring and presenting anomalous phenomena to his audience, as exemplified by his involvement in the Nazca mummies case starting in 2017, two years after their initial discovery.

Are there any American universities involved? Edit

Recently, three American forensic experts announced that they are conducting their own independent study of the bodies. Rumors suggest they will make announcements soon. The son of one of the doctors, who is a lawyer, is running their public relations. These experts do not claim any affiliation with a university.

Why are they covered in white powder? Edit

The bodies are covered in a white powder because they were buried in diatomaceous earth. This natural, powdery substance is known for its moisture-absorbing qualities, which helped preserve the mummies by drawing moisture away from the bodies and creating a dry environment that inhibits decay and bacterial growth.

How old are the specimens? Edit

Carbon-14 dating has been performed on multiple specimens. While the age varies among the samples, the results generally indicate a range between 750 CE and 1,300 CE.

Why are they called buddies? Edit

During the Mexican congressional hearing, the English subtitles provided for the live stream erroneously autocorrected the phrase "alien bodies" to "alien buddies." They’ve been the buddies ever since.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== Background Information ==
+=== What are the Nazca mummies? ===
+The Nazca mummies are a collection of ancient human remains discovered in the Nazca region of Peru. In 2015, these mummified bodies were unearthed from a network of subterranean tunnels near the famous [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazca_Lines Nazca Lines], a series of ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert landscape.
-=== What are the Nazca Mummies? ===
-They're a collection of ancient bodies discovered in the Nazca region of Peru. Unearthed in a series of underground tunnels in 2015, these mummies were found near the Nazca Lines, famous for their geoglyphs.
 === How were they discovered? ===
-In 2015, Leandro Rivera, a Peruvian huaquero (grave robber) discovered three mummies ranging from 40cm to 61cm in length while searching through caves near the Nazca Lines. The grave robber, who happened to be friends with a doctor at the University of Inka in Lima, Peru, sold the specimens to the doctor for research purposes.
+In 2015, Leandro Rivera, a Peruvian [[Huaquero|huaquero]] (grave robber), discovered three mummies ranging from 40 cm to 61 cm in length while exploring caves at an undisclosed location. Rivera, who had a personal connection with a doctor at the University of Inka in Lima, Peru, sold the specimens to the doctor for research purposes. The exact location of the caves where the mummies were found remains unknown to protect the site from further unauthorized excavations and potential damage to the archaeological context.
-=== How old are they? ===
+=== Wasn't this debunked already? ===
-Carbon-14 dating has been performed on multiple specimens. While the age varies among the samples, the results generally indicate a range between 750 CE and 1,300 CE.
+That debunk is primarily based on [[Debunks|Flavio Estrada's analysis]] for the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. Estrada claimed that the mummies' heads were made from modified llama skulls and their bodies from glued animal parts, but the UNICA team refuted these assertions. Estrada's conclusions may be influenced by his bias against UFO and alien research, as his report focused on discrediting such topics. Other counterclaims about the mummies' hands and bones being "wrong" have been addressed by radiologist [[People#Mary_K._Jesse,_M.D.|Dr. Mary K. Jesse]], who noted their unique anatomy without signs of fabrication.
-== Controversy & Debunking ==
+Multiple intact bodies have been subjected to X-ray, CT scan, and fluoroscopy imaging. The results consistently demonstrate that the skeletal structures are complete and undamaged, without any evidence of dissection or reassembly. Once a bone has been severed, it is not possible to reconstruct it into a cohesive form without leaving clear indications of the alterations, which would be readily apparent in the imaging studies.
 === Is Jaime Maussan a hoaxer? ===
-Jaime Maussan, a Mexican journalist and ufologist known for hosting the TV show "Tercer Milenio," has a polarizing reputation within the paranormal community. While he commands a dedicated following, critics have accused him of promoting unverified and occasionally debunked stories. However, despite instances where material he showcased was later identified as hoaxes or misinterpretations, there is no evidence to suggest that Maussan is a hoaxer who deliberately fabricates stories. His interest appears to lie in exploring and presenting anomalous phenomena to his audience, as exemplified by his involvement in the Nazca Mummies case starting in 2017, two years after their initial discovery.
+Jaime Maussan, a Mexican journalist and ufologist known for hosting the TV show "Tercer Milenio," has a polarizing reputation within the paranormal community. While he commands a dedicated following, critics have accused him of promoting unverified and occasionally debunked stories. However, despite instances where material he showcased was later identified as hoaxes or misinterpretations, there is no evidence to suggest that Maussan is a hoaxer who deliberately fabricates stories. His interest appears to lie in exploring and presenting anomalous phenomena to his audience, as exemplified by his involvement in the Nazca mummies case starting in 2017, two years after their initial discovery.
-=== Are they glued together animal bones? ===
-Multiple intact bodies have been subjected to X-ray, CT scan, and fluoroscopy imaging. The results consistently demonstrate that the skeletal structures are complete and undamaged, without any evidence of dissection or reassembly. Once a bone has been severed, it is not possible to reconstruct it into a cohesive form without leaving clear indications of the alterations, which would be readily apparent in the imaging studies.
-=== Where did the fake bodies debunk story originate? ===
+=== Are there any American universities involved? ===
-In 2018, Paul Ronceros, also known as "Krawix," provided counterfeit specimens to the Ministry of Culture of Peru, acknowledging that the objects had been altered. A research team headed by Flavio Estrada analyzed these specimens and concluded that they were fabricated using "adhesive, animal bones, and various other materials." The findings were then sensationalized by an individual named "Luca McLovin," who claimed affiliation with the "Sociedad Secular Humanista de Peru." McLovin wrote the initial articles disseminating Estrada's analysis and criticizing Jaime Maussan and others associated with the authentic specimens. These articles were subsequently discovered by Alexander Sokolov, editor of "Anthropogenz.ru," who created a well-known debunking video on his YouTube channel, "Scientists Against Myths." The information presented in this video has been widely cited as evidence that the specimens were fabricated. However, it is important to note that the counterfeit specimens analyzed in these studies were distinct from the authentic specimens, and the conclusions drawn from the analysis of the counterfeit specimens do not necessarily apply to the authentic specimens.
+Recently, three American forensic experts announced that they are conducting their own independent study of the bodies. Rumors suggest they will make announcements soon. The son of one of the doctors, who is a lawyer, is running their public relations. These experts do not claim any affiliation with a university.
-=== How do you know Peru analyzed the wrong specimens? ===
+=== Why are they covered in white powder? ===
-In 2023, a lawsuit was filed against the Ministry of Culture of Peru. During the legal proceedings, Flavio Estrada was compelled to testify and admitted that he had never seen, interacted with, or conducted any analysis on the authentic specimens. The lawsuit has since expanded to seek damages of up to $300 million against Peru and its Ministry of Culture for alleged defamation against the scientists from Jaime Maussan's team and Maussan himself. The current head of the Ministry of Culture, Leslie Urteaga, is also involved in the lawsuit due to actions that allegedly allowed the global proliferation of slander against the authentic specimens and the scientists studying them. The plaintiffs further allege that the Ministry of Culture omitted the fact that the person who provided the counterfeit objects had stated that they were artisanal objects. If awarded, the $300 million from the lawsuit will be used to fund the construction of a museum in the Palpa and Nazca regions of Peru, as requested by the plaintiff, Jaime Maussan, with the intention of benefiting the people of Peru and all of humanity.
+The bodies are covered in a white powder because they were buried in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth diatomaceous earth]. This natural, powdery substance is known for its moisture-absorbing qualities, which helped preserve the mummies by drawing moisture away from the bodies and creating a dry environment that inhibits decay and bacterial growth.
-== Miscellaneous ==
+=== How old are the specimens? ===
-=== Why are they covered in white powder? ===
+Carbon-14 dating has been performed on multiple specimens. While the age varies among the samples, the results generally indicate a range between 750 CE and 1,300 CE.
-The bodies are covered in a white powder because they were buried in diatomaceous earth. This natural, powdery substance is known for its moisture-absorbing qualities, which helped preserve the mummies by drawing moisture away from the bodies and creating a dry environment that inhibits decay and bacterial growth.
 === Why are they called buddies? ===
 During the Mexican congressional hearing, the English subtitles provided for the live stream erroneously autocorrected the phrase "alien bodies" to "alien buddies." They’ve been the buddies ever since.