The Pedro Mountains Mummy, also known as the San Pedro Mountains Mummy, is a mummified body that was discovered in the Pedro Mountains of Wyoming in the 1930s. The mummy has become a part of American folklore, as well as ufology and cryptozoology, due to its unusual physical features and small stature. The discovery of the Pedro Mountains Mummy has sparked much debate and speculation over the years, with many theories as to its origin and age.
The mummy was discovered by two gold prospectors in June 1934, who were digging in the Pedro Mountains approximately 60 miles southwest of Casper, Wyoming. The Pedro Mountains Mummy was initially believed to be a tiny adult from the Pliocene Epoch or from the race of ancient Native Americans known as the “little people”. However, subsequent analysis has revealed that the mummy was almost certainly a human baby, rather than a fully-grown adult. Despite this, the Pedro Mountains Mummy remains a fascinating and mysterious artifact that has captured the imagination of people around the world.
Discovery of the Pedro Mountains Mummy
The Pedro Mountains Mummy was discovered in June 1934 by two gold prospectors, Cecil Main and Frank Carr, in the Pedro Mountains, about 60 miles southwest of Casper, Wyoming. The two men were searching for gold and had been working a rich vein when it disappeared into the rock face. They had no choice but to blast away the rock to reach their goal.
As they blasted the side of the mountain, they discovered the mummy. The mummy was found in a small cave, wrapped in a woven fabric and was about 14 inches long. The mummy had an unusual appearance, with a small head, large eyes, and long fingers.
The discovery of the Pedro Mountains Mummy caused a sensation and sparked a debate about its origins. Some believed that the mummy was an extraterrestrial or a member of a lost race of people, while others believed that it was a human baby. Despite these theories, scientific analysis has since confirmed that the mummy is almost certainly a human baby, not a tiny adult from the Pliocene Epoch or from the race of little people.
Physical Characteristics
Size and Proportions
The Pedro Mountains Mummy was discovered in June 1934 by two gold prospectors in the Pedro Mountains, approximately 60 miles southwest of Casper, Wyoming. The mummy was found in a small room that was approximately 4 feet tall, 4 feet wide, and about 15 feet deep. The mummy was initially thought to be that of a tiny person, but further examination revealed that it was most likely that of a human baby.
The mummy’s size was small, measuring only 6.5 inches in length. Despite its small size, the mummy’s proportions were similar to those of a full-grown human, with a head-to-body ratio of approximately 1:4. The mummy’s skull was flattened, which was likely a result of the way it was wrapped and preserved.
Preservation State
The Pedro Mountains Mummy was extremely well-preserved, with even its fingernails visible. A gelatinous substance covered the mummy’s head, indicating that liquids had been used to preserve the body. The mummy’s skin was darkened and leathery, which was also likely due to the preservation process.
The mummy’s physical characteristics, such as its flattened skull and bulging eyes, have led to speculation about its origins and purpose. However, further examination and research have revealed that the mummy was most likely that of a human baby and not a tiny adult or an ancient creature from the Pliocene Epoch, as some have claimed.
Historical Context
The Pedro Mountains Mummy was discovered in June 1934 by two gold prospectors in the Pedro Mountains approximately 60 miles southwest of Casper, Wyoming. The mummy was almost certainly a human baby, not a tiny adult from the Pliocene Epoch or from the race of extraterrestrial beings. However, the discovery of the mummy sparked intense debate and speculation about its origins and significance.
Origin Theories
There have been several origin theories about the Pedro Mountains Mummy. Some people believe that the mummy was a human baby that was born with a genetic disorder that caused it to look like an extraterrestrial being. Others believe that the mummy was a member of an ancient civilization that existed long before the Native Americans.
Native American Connections
The Native Americans who lived in the Pedro Mountains area were the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes. There is no evidence to suggest that the mummy was related to either of these tribes. However, some people believe that the mummy was a member of a lost tribe that existed in the area before the Shoshone and Arapaho arrived.
In conclusion, the Pedro Mountains Mummy has been a source of fascination and mystery for many years. While there is still much debate and speculation about its origins and significance, it is clear that the mummy is a unique and important piece of history that deserves further study and investigation.
Scientific Analysis
Radiocarbon Dating
Radiocarbon dating is a technique used to determine the age of an object containing organic material. In 2018, a team of scientists conducted radiocarbon dating on the Pedro Mountains Mummy. The results showed that the mummy was approximately 170 years old, which means it dates back to the early 19th century.
DNA Testing
DNA testing was also conducted on the Pedro Mountains Mummy to determine its origin and identity. The results of the DNA testing showed that the mummy was a human infant with genetic abnormalities. The abnormalities were consistent with anencephaly, a condition where the brain and skull do not fully develop, resulting in death shortly after birth.
The scientific analysis of the Pedro Mountains Mummy has provided valuable insights into its origin and identity. The radiocarbon dating showed that the mummy dates back to the early 19th century, while the DNA testing revealed that it was a human infant with genetic abnormalities. These findings have helped to dispel the myths and speculations surrounding the mummy and provide a more accurate understanding of its history.
Cultural Impact
Media Representation
The Pedro Mountains Mummy has been the subject of numerous media representations over the years. It has been featured in documentaries, books, and even television shows. The mummy’s unique characteristics and mysterious origins have made it a popular topic of interest for those interested in the paranormal and supernatural.
One of the most famous representations of the Pedro Mountains Mummy was the 1995 episode of the popular television show, “The X-Files.” In the episode, the mummy was portrayed as an extraterrestrial being, which only added to the public’s fascination with the mysterious creature.
Public Fascination
The discovery of the Pedro Mountains Mummy has captivated the public’s imagination for decades. Despite scientific evidence showing that the mummy was likely a human infant, many people still believe that it is a creature from another world.
The mummy’s small size and unusual physical features have led to numerous theories about its origins. Some people believe that it is the remains of an ancient race of tiny humans, while others think that it could be a lost species of primate.
Regardless of its true origins, the Pedro Mountains Mummy continues to fascinate people around the world. Its cultural impact can be seen in the numerous media representations and ongoing public fascination with the mysterious creature.
Controversies and Debates
Authenticity Questions
The authenticity of the Pedro Mountains Mummy has been a topic of debate since its discovery in 1934. Some experts have suggested that the mummy is a hoax, while others believe it to be a genuine artifact from an ancient civilization. The mummy’s small size and unusual physical features have led some to speculate that it could be an extraterrestrial being.
However, a 1950s investigation by the American Museum of Natural History concluded that the mummy was most likely a human infant, possibly with a genetic disorder that caused its small size and unusual appearance. Despite this, the mummy’s authenticity remains a subject of debate among some researchers and enthusiasts.
Ownership and Repatriation
Another controversy surrounding the Pedro Mountains Mummy is its ownership and repatriation. The mummy was initially sold to a traveling circus after its discovery, and it changed hands multiple times over the years. In the 1990s, the mummy was acquired by the Casper College Western History Center, which displayed it in a museum exhibit.
However, in 2010, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) was invoked, and the mummy was returned to the Shoshone and Arapaho tribes, who claimed it as an ancestor. The decision was not without controversy, as some argued that the mummy’s origins were not definitively established and that it should remain in a museum collection for further study.
In conclusion, the Pedro Mountains Mummy remains a subject of controversy and debate among researchers, enthusiasts, and Native American tribes. Its authenticity and ownership continue to be disputed, and its unusual physical features have sparked speculation and fascination for almost a century.
Current Location and Display
The Pedro Mountains Mummy is currently on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. It is part of the museum’s collection of over 145 million specimens and artifacts. The mummy is housed in a glass case and can be viewed by visitors.
The display includes information about the mummy’s discovery and history, as well as its physical characteristics. Visitors can learn about the controversy surrounding the mummy’s identity and the various theories that have been proposed over the years.
The National Museum of Natural History is open to the public every day of the year except for December 25th. Admission is free, although there may be additional fees for special exhibits or events. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s website for hours of operation and other important information before planning their visit.