Archaeologists in Argentina have uncovered a bizarrely shaped skull, igniting a global wave of curiosity. Is it a genuine artifact from an ancient civilization, or something far stranger—perhaps even evidence of extraterrestrial life? Here’s what we know so far.
The Find: A Skull with an Unusual Shape
The discovery took place in San Fernando, in Argentina’s Catamarca Province, during the installation of a new water system. Workers stumbled upon two burial urns—one containing a complete human skeleton, and the other holding a portion of a skull with an unusually elongated form.
Photos of the skull quickly made headlines. Its distinctive shape strongly resembles the stereotypical "alien" look popularized by films like Mars Attacks!, sparking wild theories about its origins.
Alien Origins or Cultural Practice?
Some local media even dubbed the skull an “antman,” drawing a curious connection to the ancient Greek myth of the Myrmidons—a people said to live in complex underground nests filled with treasure.
Despite these outlandish ideas, archaeologists believe there’s a far more grounded explanation: the skull likely underwent artificial cranial deformation, a common practice among pre-Columbian civilizations in South America.
Cranial Deformation: Ritual or Abuse?
Artificial cranial deformation involved shaping the heads of infants by binding them with bandages or wooden boards to mold the skull into a desired form—often elongated, rounded, or conical. Key facts:
Performed during infancy while skull bones were still soft
Common among cultures like the Ciénaga and Aguada (3rd to 12th centuries CE)
Used to signify social rank or ethnic identity
Professor Rick Schulting from the University of Oxford notes:
“There’s no evidence that this practice caused harm to the child.”
Child’s Skull or Medical Condition?
Dr. Heidi Dawson-Hobbis, a biological anthropologist, observed that the skull might belong to a child, and the unusual shape could be linked to a neurological condition such as hydrocephalus—a buildup of fluid in the brain. Still, with limited evidence, no diagnosis can be confirmed.
Other Deformation Practices: Trepanation
Another fascinating and often misunderstood practice is trepanation—the surgical removal of part of the skull, either for medical treatment or ritualistic reasons. This highlights the surprisingly deep understanding ancient cultures had of both anatomy and symbolism.
What Do Experts Say?
The University of Catamarca released a statement:
“Interpreting these findings offers an opportunity to deepen our relationship with the past and honor the cultural practices of our ancestors.”
Excavations are ongoing, and the site has been sealed off and secured to preserve its integrity.
Final Thoughts: Culture or Contact?
The discovery of this mysterious skull:
Highlights ancient rituals that shaped the human body
Opens up dialogue between myth and science
Reinforces the importance of cultural understanding when exploring history
As always, the final word will come through scientific analysis—and it may reveal more than we ever imagined.
