Tammy Bruce: What Are Crystal Skulls?

What Are Crystal Skulls?

Crystal skull at the British Museum

A post by Maynard

You've probably heard about the soon-to-be-released movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I admit I'm looking forward to this for, if no other reason, a nostalgic moment. We first met Mr. Jones in 1981 (has it really been more than a quarter of a century??), and it's somehow reassuring to see his adventures continue. I'm glad that, as some other cinematic figure once put it, "The dude abides."

It turns out there are a number of real crystal skulls in the world, in museums and private collections. Legend and mystique would have it that they originally came from pre-Columbian Central America, perhaps crafted by Aztecs or Mayans. Crystal skull references turn up here and there in science fiction and fantasy tales, leading some to speculate about their possible extraterrestrial origin...or maybe they're the only remaining artifacts from Atlantis. Some enthusiasts attribute supernatural powers to the skulls.

Historically, crystal skulls first appeared in Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, supposedly brought by returning archeologists (the Indiana Joneses of the previous era). Modern spoilsports and technicians suggest the skulls were produced in 19th century Germany.

What's the true story? Perhaps Indiana Jones can tell us. I'm mainly wondering whether these crystal skulls were once attached to crystal skeletons. And, if so, is that where we got crystal balls?

Update: FoxNews has posted this video about "the mysterious truth behind real life crystal skulls". (I haven't watched the video myself, out of concern for possible movie spoilers.)

Posted by Maynard · May 16, 2008 12:17 AM · Permalink
History | Hollywood/Films | Maynard Post

Comments

I don't care you you are, that's funny!!

Posted by: Political Junkie at May 16, 2008 01:43 AM

If you hadn't gone there, I would have been extremely disappointed.

:)

Posted by: Kimj7157 at May 16, 2008 09:19 AM

Good wind-up and delivery there Maynard!

Posted by: Skeptic at May 16, 2008 10:52 AM

That seemed like a lot of effort just to say balls.

Posted by: Paul at May 16, 2008 02:16 PM

Crystal skulls and all hoaxes. Archeology does not recognize any since none were dug up at a scientific dig.

They were made by the natives/hoaxters for profit by selling to the public with fanciful ideas of magic and past hitherto unknown cultures in the Americas.

For more information and less sensationalism, please refer to Archeology Magazine (May/June 2008). A crystal skulls is featured on the cover of this, their 60th anniversary issue, as an obvious ploy to sell more magazines in concert with the looming release of Indiana Jones movie.

You may also go to www.archeology.org and see if you can get the story free on-line. (I haven't checked it prior to writing this).

Posted by: Sparky at May 17, 2008 12:42 PM

Okay, firstly my opening line of the previous post should have stated "Crystal Skulls ARE ALL hoaxes and have been proved to be so." There, that's a little more forceful and less waffling.

Secondly, I checked out the Archeological Institute of America's website above (www.archeology.org) and it is a real mess. "Under construction, etc." Links are dead or non-existent, however if any Tammy Bruce posters wish to do so, they can email a query about Crystal Skulls to the Institute and an archeologist or some curator, etc. will get back to you (according to the website).

Posted by: Sparky at May 17, 2008 12:52 PM

"Hey...don't forget...2 drink minimum....thanks for coming.....and try the veal"

Posted by: djd11 at May 18, 2008 09:42 AM

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