Frequently Asked Questions

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 Nazca Lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert landscape.

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. Rivera, 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.

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.

Weren't these debunked by Flavio Estrada?

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.

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.

Why are they covered in white powder?

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?

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?

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.