Fact Check: The tridactyl mummies named Montserrat and Santiage were not manipulated by the people who found them.

The Claim: "The tridactyl mummies named Montserrat and Santiage were not manipulated by the people who found them."

Introduction

The claim under scrutiny involves two tridactyl mummies known as Montserrat and Santiage, which some proponents assert were not manipulated by their discoverers. This assertion emerges amidst a broader controversy surrounding the authenticity and origins of these mummies, often linked to claims of extraterrestrial origins. The discussion is further complicated by conflicting reports from various sources, each with differing levels of credibility and potential biases.

What We Know

1. Mummy Descriptions: The mummies in question, Montserrat and Santiage, are characterized by their three-fingered hands and have been the subject of various studies and media attention since their discovery in Peru near the Nazca lines in 2016 910.

2. Scientific Investigations: A study conducted by the Institute of Legal Medicine of Peru concluded that these mummies are not of extraterrestrial origin but rather constructed from animal bones, suggesting they are likely dolls or artifacts rather than genuine mummified remains 1.

3. Expert Opinions: Some researchers assert that the mummies are "100% real" and have undergone examinations that indicate they are not entirely fabricated, although the nature of these examinations and the credibility of the researchers involved are subjects of debate 56.

4. Public Reception and Skepticism: The claim of the mummies being authentic has been met with skepticism from the scientific community, with many experts dismissing them as hoaxes or misinterpretations of archaeological findings 37.

5. Legal and Ethical Concerns: There have been attempts by Peruvian authorities to seize the mummies, indicating a legal and ethical dimension to their study and exhibition 10.

Analysis

The reliability of the sources discussing the tridactyl mummies varies significantly:

• Credible Scientific Sources: The report from the Institute of Legal Medicine of Peru 1 is a primary source that provides a scientific basis for the claim that the mummies are not genuine. However, the interpretation of their findings could be influenced by the context in which they were conducted, including potential biases against sensational claims.

• Media Coverage: Articles from outlets like Reuters 2 and the New York Post 4 provide coverage of the mummies but often reflect sensationalist tendencies. The New York Post, in particular, has a reputation for tabloid-style reporting, which raises questions about the accuracy and depth of their analyses.

• Skeptical Perspectives: Sources like Snopes 3 and Ancient Origins 7 offer critical perspectives on the claims surrounding the mummies, emphasizing the history of pseudoscientific claims associated with similar discoveries. These sources are valuable for understanding the broader context of skepticism but may also carry their own biases based on their editorial slants.

• Conflicting Claims: The existence of conflicting claims, such as those asserting the mummies are "real" and contain unique DNA 6, highlights the contentious nature of the discourse. The motivations of those making such claims should be scrutinized, particularly if they have a history of promoting sensational narratives.

• Methodological Concerns: The methodologies employed in studies claiming the mummies are authentic or fabricated are not always transparently reported. For example, the specifics of the examinations that led to claims of unique DNA or the presence of animal bones are not detailed in some reports, leaving gaps in the evidence that could inform a more nuanced understanding of the findings.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the tridactyl mummies named Montserrat and Santiage were not manipulated by the people who found them is determined to be false. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes the findings from the Institute of Legal Medicine of Peru, which indicate that the mummies are likely constructed from animal bones rather than being genuine mummified remains. Additionally, the overwhelming skepticism from the scientific community regarding the authenticity of these mummies further undermines the claim.

It is important to note that while some researchers have claimed the mummies are "100% real," the credibility of these assertions is questionable, given the lack of transparency in their methodologies and potential biases in their motivations. The discourse surrounding these mummies is fraught with sensationalism and conflicting narratives, which complicates the assessment of their authenticity.

However, the available evidence does have limitations. The methodologies used in various studies are not always clearly reported, and the motivations behind claims of authenticity may influence the interpretations presented. Therefore, while the current consensus leans towards the conclusion that the mummies are not genuine, ongoing scrutiny and further investigation are warranted.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information themselves, considering the sources and evidence presented, as the landscape of claims surrounding these mummies continues to evolve.

Sources

1. Scientists assert 'alien mummies' in Peru are really dolls made from ... (https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/scientists-assert-alien-mummies-peru-are-really-dolls-made-earthly-bones-2024-01-13/)
2. Exclusive: A close encounter with the 'alien bodies' in Mexico (https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/close-encounter-with-alien-bodies-mexico-2023-09-16/)
3. Did Researchers Find a Mummified, Three-Fingered Alien in Nazca, Peru? (https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/alien-mummy-peru/)
4. 3-fingered 'alien mummies' found in Peru have fingerprints that do not appear to be human report (https://nypost.com/2024/07/23/world-news/3-fingered-alien-mummies-found-in-peru-have-fingerprints-that-do-not-appear-to-be-human-report/)
5. Experts studying 'alien mummies' claim bodies are '100% real' (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14346729/Scientists-studying-alien-mummies-Peru-new-details-emerge.html)
6. Bizarre three-fingered 'alien mummies' are real and contain unique DNA ... (https://nypost.com/2024/03/05/world-news/bizarre-three-fingered-alien-mummies-are-real-and-contain-unique-dna-filmmakers-say/)
7. 'Alien Mummies from Peru' Debunked? Absolutely Not, Says Mexican ... (https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-science-space-mysterious-phenomena-americas/return-alien-mummies-0021871)
8. Scientists unveil pair of 'mummified alien' corpses ... (https://abc7.com/mexico-aliens-corpses-ufos/13776957/)
9. 'Alien Mummies' Press Conference Takes Bizarre Turn as Peruvian ... (https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/49751/20240415/alien-mummies-press-conference-takes-bizarre-turn-peruvian-authorities-try.htm)
10. Authorities attempt to seize 'alien mummy' as Peruvian press conference ... (https://www.ladbible.com/news/world-news/authorities-seize-alien-mummy-peru-press-conference-203187-20240416)