I am a big fan of the Indiana Jones franchise. Indy is probably what propelled my early interests in archaeology and caused me to major in Classics. However, of course I recognize Indiana Jones for the fantasy it is, my personal Indiana Jones bag and hat notwithstanding.

So I am sitting here watching "Indiana Jones and the Ultimate Quest" on the History Channel which featured prominent Mayan archaeologist, William Saturno among others (a few that I recognize or have even met). It was a largely informative if basic program, until the end.

Why oh why does the History Channel insist on passing off hoakum as truth? I am speaking here of the "Crystal Skulls," the basis for the new Indy movie. These skulls are according to legend 13 in number and various charlatans ascribe extraordinary powers of healing, world peace, or even the ability to cause death to these things. Supposedly they were carved from rock crystal in pre-Columbian times without the use of fine tools, and the woo-woo set claims there are no tool markings on any of the artifacts. The skulls that have been submitted for testing however have shown markings consistent with 19th century jeweling tools.

The Mitchell-Hedges skull is the most well-known; former owner Anna Mitchell-Hedges claimed to have found the skull in a temple without outside verification, and also refused to submit it to any testing. The skulls are largely considered to be hoaxes, without any context of archaeological discovery or verification, but HC is passing off the New Age woo-woo BS as totally true and perpetuating a ridiculous popular myth.

Even more repugnant to me is the claim that such artifacts were deposited here by alien beings. It seems that some people really want to take away from the ingenuity and knowledge of ancient peoples. An old theme, certainly, but an offensive one, to me. It stems from a sense of superiority in our own culture, and implies that until the 20th century humans were stupid, backwards, and savage, and that our own civilization is superior. Ridiculous.