Peruvian ‘alien mummies’ are fraudulent artefacts
As we anticipated,1,2 the ‘alien mummies’ or ‘Nazca mummies’, allegedly found in 2016 or 2017 in Cusco, Peru, have now been shown to be fraudulent. They were claimed to have been tiny non-human corpses, about 60 cm long. Biblical creationists have long drawn attention to the historical frauds used to support belief in the evolution of mankind, but it now seems that such practices are having the effect of increasing belief in UFOs and aliens. Gary Bates has previous noted that the UFO phenomena is growing and is really a subset of the philosophy of evolution. It is therefore important to encourage biblical thinking in relation to claims about extra-terrestrial beings and UFOs.3
Claims about the discoveries
UFO enthusiast and journalist Jaime Maussan initially claimed under oath that the fossilised remains were 1,000 years old. They were supposedly found in the locality of diatom (algae) mines in the Peruvian Andes where Inca ruins are also present, and near to the Nazca lines. The specimens were displayed and presented before the Mexican Congress to civil servants and politicians, in September 2023. News of this spread around the world. Mr Maussan claimed that the remains “are not part of our terrestrial evolution”, with about one third of their DNA unidentified. According to Maussan, scientists at the Autonomous National University of Mexico (UNAM) were said to have analysed the specimens using X-rays and radiocarbon dating, with further comparative studies of DNA samples.4 The UNAM, however, denied supporting Maussan’s claims.5
Following criticism of the finds by scientists, Mr Maussan reiterated his earlier claims of their authenticity in late November 2023. Fresh analysis of the DNA showed that 30 percent was “not from any known species”, he claimed. The toothless remains possessed three fingers. Further X-ray analysis suggested eggs were present in one of the bodies, and that they had implants of the rare Platinum-group metal Osmium.
He further asserted, “This is the first time extraterrestrial life has been presented in this manner”, and commenting that we “have a clear example of non-human specimens unrelated to any known species on our planet”. His conclusion was: “We are not alone in this vast universe; we should embrace this truth.”
An alternative theory of their origin, put forward by UFOlogist Will Galison, was that they consisted of a mixture of human and animal bones, and had been pieced together by the Incas for religious rituals. He suggested the skulls had some similarity with those of alpacas.6
Evidence of modern fraud
Media sources have since discovered that customs authorities in Peru seized the items, or very similar items, in October 2023 as they were being shipped into Mexico, dressed in traditional Andean clothing. Forensic experts in Peru were then able to analyse the remains. The doll-like assemblages were found to consist of human and animal bones, and paper, and stuck together with modern synthetic glue.
In a press conference in Lima, Flavio Estrada, the lead forensic archaeologist investigating the finds, stated that an alien origin is “totally false”. In fact, the bones come from birds, dogs, and other animals, with the fingers consisting of human bones. His conclusion is that they are not aliens, and furthermore, cannot be dated to the pre-Hispanic period. It has not yet been revealed whether the ‘bodies’ analysed are the same as those displayed before the Congress in Mexico in September.7
Other claims
Mr Maussan has made other fanciful claims of alien remains in the past:
- In 2015 a so-called “alien child” which was later shown to be a human infant;
- A “Demon Fairy” in 2016 which was made from the bones of a bat, sticks and glue;
- And prior to these claims, the “Metepec Creature”, which was in fact a skinned monkey!8
Summary
What are we to make of fakery of this sort? Perhaps money and fame may be an immediate motivation. But it also increases interest in the notion of UFOs and aliens in a world where access to unverified material and videos on the internet is all-too-easy for many people. These frauds are potentially harmful to those without a questioning mind and/or the academic skills to weigh evidence properly. Belief in aliens is certainly used as a means of leading people away from Christian teaching and faith. Similarly, fraudulent claims have often been used in support of evolution.
We would encourage people, and especially Christians, to develop critical thinking skills and to exercise discernment when it comes to claims that go beyond what the Bible teaches. It is human beings alone who are created in the image of God, by the Creator who made all things. Creation Ministries International has several articles, books, and videos, which give a more complete view of our position on this important subject (see links below).
References and notes
- Are Aliens Actually Demons?, 21 December 2023. The alleged ‘alien mummies’ are discussed from 13:01–15:01. Return to text.
- Mummified aliens in Mexico: Hoax? Or the real deal?, 29 December 2023. Return to text.
- See also: Bates, G., Alien Intrusion: UFOs and the evolution connection, Creation Book Publishers, Powder Springs GA, 2004. Return to text.
- Cobham, T., ‘Alien corpses’ shown to Congress as UFO expert forced to testify under oath, independent.co.uk, 14 September 2023. Return to text.
- Janetsky, M., Scientists call fraud on supposed extraterrestrials presented to Mexican Congress, apnews.com, 13 September 2023. Return to text.
- Neath, A., Mystery of Mexico’s ‘alien corpses’ continues as new DNA findings revealed, independent.co.uk, 1 December 2023. Return to text.
- Neath, A., Mystery of Peru ‘alien’ figures finally solved, independent.co.uk, 15 January 2024. Return to text.
- Romano, A., The true story of the fake unboxed aliens is wilder than actual aliens, vox.com, 16 September 2023. Return to text.
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