Discoveries of elongated skulls often capture headlines, sparking intrigue and speculation. However, these finds are not as unusual as they may seem. Humans with naturally large, cone-shaped heads were once prevalent, even dominating certain regions of the world in ancient times. The term "alien" often used to describe them, sidesteps the potential for scientific explanation.
An elongated skull (gerasimov174 / Adobe Stock)
The development of humans in southern Africa is well-documented. Notably, the Boskop and Hofmeyr skulls, discovered in South Africa in 1913 and 1952 respectively, indicate a larger brain capacity compared to modern humans.
Ancient Aliens: Elongated Skull's Origins (Season 12, Episode 6) | History
The Intelligent Archaic Strain Theory
Dr. Pieter Wagener proposes an intriguing theory: that a mutation in the hominid line occurred approximately 1.4 million years ago. This mutation led to the development of an alternate human species with a larger brain. Wagener calls this species an "archaic strain," suggesting it co-existed with Homo sapiens but possessed superior intelligence.
According to this theory, the archaic strain migrated northwards around 50,000 years ago and established the great civilizations of the northern hemisphere, seemingly out of nowhere. They appeared among hunter-gatherer societies, imparting knowledge of technology and agriculture. Over time, the hunter-gatherers' collective memories and legends may have attributed superhuman abilities to these mentors, elevating them to the status of divine gods and angels in scripture.
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‘Scenes from every land, second series’; explaining conical shaping of an infant’s head. (CC0)
Elongated Skulls of the Elite
In many cultures, elongated skulls were associated with elite ancestry. This led to the practice of artificially deforming the crania of babies to resemble these venerated ancestors. Strictures were used to bind the head, resulting in the desired elongated shape as the child grew. This tradition was prevalent in Central Europe, South America, and persists in some parts of Africa to this day.
Notably, women with artificially elongated skulls were sometimes regarded as high-ranking "treaty brides," signifying their elevated social status.
Elongated skull of a young woman, probably an Alan. On display at Yverdon History museum. (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The Boskop Skull: An African Enigma
The existence of a species with large, cone-headed skulls and potentially higher intelligence challenges mainstream Darwinian theories. These people dominated parts of the world until around 400 AD. The question remains: where did they originate?
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The earliest skull to draw significant attention was the Boskop skull, discovered in South Africa in 1913. Two farmers found it in the Boskop district near Potchefstroom. The skull's unique features sparked considerable scientific interest and debate.
Two old Korana women and Boskop type of skull, plate XIV in Human Ancestry From a Genetical Point of View, by R. Ruggles Gates, Harvard University Press, (1948) (Wellcome Images / CC BY-SA 4.0)
Recent excavations at the Gamurzievsky settlement in Nazran, Ingushetia, southern Russia, have unearthed the remains of an ancient female skeleton with an elongated skull, dating back to 400 - 600 AD. This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that elongated skulls were not merely isolated occurrences, but rather a widespread phenomenon in ancient times.
Key Discoveries and Theories Summarized
| Skull/Discovery | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Boskop Skull | South Africa | Early example of a skull with larger brain capacity |
| Hofmeyr Skull | South Africa | Further evidence of larger brain capacity in ancient humans |
| Gamurzievsky Settlement Find | Nazran, Ingushetia, Russia | Ancient female skeleton with elongated skull (400-600 AD) |
| Archaic Strain Theory | Proposed by Dr. Pieter Wagener | Suggests a separate human species with larger brains and superior intelligence |
Pieter Wagener is a professor of applied mathematics with extensive qualifications in the arts, science, and law, holding doctorates in both mathematics and law.
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