JUFOF - Issue 209 - 2013 05

Magazine Overview

Title: Jufof
Issue: 05-2013, Jg. 34, Nr. 209
Publisher: GEP e.V. (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens)
Date: May 2013
Price: 4,50 Euro
ISSN: 0723-7766

Editorial

Danny Ammon's editorial, "Liebe Leser," discusses the concept of UFO 'hot-spots' – areas on Earth where UFO sightings or recordings are frequently reported. He categorizes these hot-spots into those associated with sighting waves (e.g., Belgium, Stephenville, Texas), those linked to specific individuals (e.g., Knittelfeld, Austria; Gulf Breeze, Florida), and those characterized by specific phenomena like night-time light displays without detailed object structures (e.g., Hessdalen, Norway). Ammon highlights Hessdalen as a prime example of the latter category and mentions other locations like the Brieselanger Wald (Brandenburg, Germany) and Lubbock (Texas, USA) as similar 'hot-spots'. He notes that while car headlights have been suggested as explanations for these light phenomena, the only way to gain certainty is through on-site investigation. The editorial announces that several German UFO researchers visited Hessdalen in August and September of that year to report on their findings. The issue features a report from GEP member Klaus Felsmann, who visited Hessdalen from August 16-19 and was guided by Hessdalen researcher Erling Strand. The editorial also mentions the continuation of two article series from the previous issue: one on the Trent UFO photos and another on skull deformations as 'god imitations'.

UFO-Beobachtungen: Dokumentationen – Beurteilungen

"Fliegende Untertasse" über Kitzbühel fotografiert

This section documents a case from Kitzbühel, Austria, on June 11, 2013. The witness, Horst T., discovered a 'flying saucer' on two of his vacation photos taken in Kitzbühel, which he had not noticed at the time of shooting. The object appeared to be hovering over a street. Investigator Hans-Werner Peiniger classified the sighting as IFO/V1, identifying it as a street lamp. The investigation involved comparing the photos with online images of the "Hostel SnowBunnys Backpackers" in Bichlstrasse 30, Kitzbühel. The analysis revealed that the photographed object was indeed a street lamp suspended over the road, with visible suspension wires matching those seen in the witness's photos. The case was definitively identified as an IFO (Identified Flying Object).

Die Fotos des Paul Trent – doch echt? McMinnville revisited – Teil 2

This is the second part of an article by Roland M. Horn analyzing the famous Paul Trent UFO photographs from McMinnville. This installment focuses on the latest developments and arguments in the ongoing debate about the authenticity of these photos. The article delves into the analysis by UFO researcher Joel Carpenter, who used triangulation based on the photos and house siding to estimate the height of the UFO. Carpenter's analysis suggested the camera was only a few inches above the ground when the photos were taken, and the UFO was likely a suspended object. The article also discusses the work of J.J. Valdes, who cited William K. Hartmann's Condon Report analysis, suggesting the object could have been a small model suspended by a wire. Valdes also referenced a LIFE magazine photo from June 26, 1950, showing Trent's son on a stepladder, which could have been used to hang a model. The article introduces Icaco.fr, an organization specializing in UFO photo and video analysis, which conducted a geometric and radiometric analysis of the Trent photos. Their findings suggested two possibilities: either the UFO was a model about 14 feet away and 3 feet below a wire, approximately 0.5 feet in size, or it was an unknown object 200 feet away with a diameter of about six feet and black in color. Icaco.fr favored the first explanation as more consistent with measurements and less reliant on exotic assumptions. The article contrasts these findings with Maccabee's analysis, which argued for the object's distance based on the brightness of its underside and suggested that the 'haze effect' from the lens could explain the brightness. Maccabee concluded that the Trents were unlikely to have faked the photos. The article notes the discrepancy between the recent Icaco.fr analysis (March 2013) and earlier comments by Maccabee and Johnny Bragalia (December 2012), suggesting that newer information might be more reliable, though not necessarily so. The article also addresses Bragalia's claim that the Trents lacked the intelligence for such a hoax.

Further analysis by Maccabee is presented, focusing on the brightness of the UFO's underside in the Trent photos. He argues that Hartmann's Nobel Prize-worthy analysis proved the object was distant. Maccabee's own investigation, considering the 'haze effect' (optical light scattering) from the lens, supported the idea of a distant object. He also measured the relative brightness of a white house wall against a horizontal ground surface, finding the latter to be half as bright. When accounting for the haze effect, his calculation of the object's distance was comparable to Hartmann's findings. Maccabee emphasizes that Hartmann's calculations are justified and that the hoax theory is inconsistent with the Trents' character. The article highlights the significant differences between the Icaco.fr analysis and Maccabee's statements, while acknowledging that neither fully dismisses the possibility of a hoax or the authenticity of the photos. The article concludes by noting that the Icaco.fr analysis is more recent than Maccabee's comments on Bragalia's article, and while newer information is often considered superior, this is not always the case.

Schädeldeformationen als Götterimitation?

This section continues a series exploring the topic of skull deformations, examining them as a potential 'imitation of gods'. The article likely delves into anthropological or historical contexts where such deformations might have occurred and explores theories linking them to ancient beliefs or practices.

Impressum

The Impressum section provides details about the publisher, GEP e.V., its founding year (1972), address (Postfach 2361, D-58473 Lüdenscheid), contact information (phone, fax, email: [email protected]), and bank details. It also names Hans-Werner Peiniger and Danny Ammon as responsible for the editorial content. The section clarifies that articles marked with names do not necessarily reflect the views of GEP, and unsolicited manuscripts are not liable. It states that Jufof is published bimonthly on a non-commercial basis, with contributions being honorarium-free. The subscription price is €27.00 for one year (6 issues), with additional postage costs for Germany (€7.00) and abroad (€20.00). For GEP members, the subscription is included in the membership fee. Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled three months prior to expiry. Information on advertising prices is available upon request, with classified ads up to six lines for subscribers and ten lines for members being free. Reprinting is only allowed with written permission from GEP e.V. The printing is done by bis500 Druck, 98693 Ilmenau. The copyright is held by GEP e.V. for 2013.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of UFO 'hot-spots' through on-site research, detailed analysis of photographic evidence (specifically the Paul Trent case), and the exploration of unusual phenomena like skull deformations. The editorial stance, as indicated by Danny Ammon, emphasizes the importance of empirical research and on-site investigation to understand UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the ongoing debates and differing interpretations within the UFO research community. The GEP's position as a non-commercial research organization is also evident.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated Ausgabe 5-2013, NR.209, features a cover headline about a "Reisebericht Hessdalen 2013" (Travel Report Hessdalen 2013) by Klaus Felsmann. The issue also includes an article by Ulrich Magin titled "Eine antike CE IV?" (An Ancient CE IV?), exploring the interpretation of ancient texts as potential UFO encounters.

Analysis of the McMinnville UFO Photos

The first article, by Ulrich Magin, begins by discussing the analysis of the LIFE magazine UFO photos from McMinnville. It questions whether modern digital analysis must necessarily be more accurate than that of a physicist experienced in optics who has thoroughly examined the photos using classical methods. The article references optometrist Dr. David Rudiak, who, like Maccabee, disputes Bragalia's claim that the LIFE photos were taken on the same roll of film. Rudiak's analysis of a specific LIFE photo, showing a stepladder, suggests that the ladder was not tall enough to have been used to hang a model from a wire as claimed. He points out that the sightlines on the two UFO photos cross in front of the wires, arguing against the model being suspended. Rudiak also notes that the line of sight on the two UFO photos crossed in front of the wires, which he believes indicates the model could not have been hung from the wire. Magin concludes that the arguments favoring the authenticity of the photos outweigh those for forgery, suggesting the Trents likely photographed an unknown object.

An Ancient CE IV?

Ulrich Magin's second article, "Eine antike CE IV?", examines the interpretation of pre-modern texts, such as those from the Middle Ages or antiquity, as potential astronautical or ufological events. He notes that descriptions of anomalous phenomena in these texts can sometimes resemble modern UFO encounters, leading to the conclusion that similar phenomena have been observed for millennia. Magin introduces a text from the Roman author Apuleius, from his novel "The Golden Ass" (circa 123-170 AD). The passage describes the protagonist Lucius' initiation into the mysteries of the goddess Isis at Eleusis. Lucius recounts: "In the middle of the night, I saw the sun shining in white light. I came face to face with the lower and upper gods and worshipped them." Magin suggests this could be interpreted as a typical CE IV case according to Hynek's definition, involving seeing a light like the sun and encountering figures. However, Magin then presents the interpretation by Egyptologist Jan Assmann, who explains that the underworld journey in the novel, particularly the reference to Proserpina (goddess of the underworld), is understood in an Egyptian context as a symbolic journey through the subterranean realm of the midnight sun. Assmann argues that the similarity to modern UFO reports is a projection by modern readers and not inherent in the text itself. The text describes Lucius wandering through subterranean structures under a temple, which symbolically represent Isis' teachings. Magin concludes that what might appear as a UFO sighting with pilots is actually something else entirely, and the perceived similarity to modern UFO reports is an interpretation imposed by contemporary readers.

Travel Report: Hessdalen 2013

Klaus Felsmann's travelogue details a trip to Hessdalen, Norway, in August and September 2013, undertaken by several German UFO research enthusiasts. Hessdalen is described as a well-known "UFO hotspot" where interesting observations and recordings are frequently made. The article provides background on Hessdalen, noting its frequent mention in UFO literature and the GEP's past reports. It highlights the over 30-year history of sighting activity and scientific measurements in the area, referring to the "Hessdalen UFO" and "Hessdalen phenomenon" or "Hessdalen lights." Felsmann explains Hessdalen's location in a valley about 90-120 km south of Trondheim, Norway, and its emergence into ufological prominence in 1981. The valley has a small permanent population and is characterized by scattered homesteads and houses. Hessdalen is a dead-end valley, with the road disappearing into the mountainous landscape. The region is described as an emigration area, with the closure of copper mining decades prior. Nearby towns like Roros are attempting to attract tourism. Felsmann notes the difficulty in obtaining German or English books on the topic, as they are often out of print. His primary source of information was the website http://www.hessdalen.org, which features reports by Erling Strand.

Felsmann mentions that the Hessdalen phenomenon is associated with more than just Erling Strand's Project Hessdalen. In 1981/1982, during the initial wave of UFO reports, Arne Wisth and Leif Havik were active in the area. Investigations by two military personnel were also conducted but not published. UFO-Norge, a Norwegian organization similar to the GEP, maintains a website with English content and has archived reports and photos from the early period. In 1983, the Project Hessdalen was founded, largely led by Erling Strand, with Bjørn Gitle Hauge as a notable member. The project is under the auspices of the Ostfold University College in Halden, where Erling Strand lectures. Italian participants joined the project starting in 2000. Since 2010, GEIPAN has also been involved, and a new exhibition space dedicated to the Hessdalen Project opened in 2013. Historical records have also yielded UFO observations from as early as 1811. Peder Skogaas, a local resident, has established a website (HE.R.A) and an office in Hessdalen to collect reports from inhabitants. Andreas Müller's website "Grenzwissenschaft-aktuell" advertises a week-long camp for 390 Euros, with Peder Skogaas participating for two days. The possibility of booking stays and Icelandic horse tours in Hessdalen is also mentioned.

Felsmann recounts his personal experience of planning a trip to Hessdalen. He notes that the touristically developed town of Roros is about 35 km away. He questions the fate of Thor Stuedal's "Norsk UFO Senter" project, which aimed to market Hessdalen's high sighting rate (estimated at over 50 per year) with a hotel, conference rooms, and observation tower. Stuedal had initiated a joint-stock company in 2000 to sell shares, but no concrete project goals beyond preliminary sketches seem to have been realized.

Erling Strand is presented as an international speaker on the Hessdalen phenomenon. Hessdalen has received recognition and visits, including the 7th Biennial European SSE Meeting in 2007. Felsmann expresses interest in the "Project Hessdalen Friends" initiative, which offers membership for 100 Euros annually, providing access to non-public reports and guided tours. He joined this initiative and arranged a guided tour with Erling Strand for mid-August 2013. His wife accompanied him, and they rented a motorhome for flexibility.

The guided tour included a lecture by Erling Strand on August 16th, followed by a night observation. The following day, August 17th, involved a tour of the valley, visiting sites of spectacular sightings, and another night observation. August 18th was scheduled for the return journey. Felsmann notes that despite Hessdalen being a small, remote community, the ADAC route planner recognized it, suggesting a 1713 km route. They opted for a route avoiding ferries.

Upon arrival in Roros, they proceeded to Hessdalen. Felsmann describes the roads as well-maintained and easy to drive, despite initial concerns about their curvature. He mentions a problem with their camper's water supply on Thursday evening, which limited their options for self-sufficiency. They considered alternative accommodations for his wife and dog in Alen or at a pony farm in Hessdalen, while he would use the camper for the tour events. They drove to Alen, which offered a gas station and shops, and an information point.

Felsmann describes the search for accommodation in Alen, finding no tourist information and encountering closed businesses. They proceeded to Hessdalen, looking for the Bekken Gard pony farm mentioned in a flyer. He notes that the model associated with the photos was once located near a former school. They encountered signs for individual houses, but many appeared to be for sale or abandoned. He also failed to locate Peder Skogaas' UFO office. Felsmann characterizes Hessdalen as an area of emigration, lacking clear signage and offering little in terms of tourism, similar to Alen outside the ski season.

They attended Erling Strand's lecture at the Red Cross House at 8:00 PM on Friday. Initially, only a few people were present, including a VW bus with a couple and two women in another car. Erling Strand arrived with a co-driver. Two more gentlemen joined later but were not participating in the tour. Felsmann had expected a larger turnout. The lecture was held in English, as were most of the questions, indicating a sufficient level of English proficiency among the locals. Strand presented his findings, which he had previously presented in Italy. The project contacts are significant, and the lecture did not assume prior knowledge of Hessdalen.

Felsmann's notes from the lecture cover the history of sightings in Hessdalen, starting in November 1981, shortly after initial reports in Arendal. Eyewitnesses reported intense lights, often yellow with red flashes, but also blue and white, which were shorter and more intense. In the years 1981-1984, there were up to 20 sightings per week, declining to an average of 20 per year in recent years. In 1985, a project was initiated, but only one sighting was recorded, leading to fears that the phenomenon had ceased and projects were suspended. In 1994, projects were revived, and by 1998, an automatic measurement station was operational, producing 178 images.

Strand explained that the human eye is more sensitive to peripheral light flashes, which is why the phenomenon is not always perceived. Hessdalen experiences lights, very intense ones, and also solid objects with bizarre movements. A witness described seeing a light rhombus (similar to a light bell) slowly descending behind a farmhouse on September 25, 1982. The object then moved up and down for over fifteen minutes, a phenomenon that Strand found difficult to comprehend. This led him to focus on the topic starting in 1983, and he became appreciated by the locals for his active involvement.

Initially, the press was dismissive of the UFO reports, but a UFO tourism emerged. However, when journalists themselves witnessed sightings, the press became silent. Strand decided to focus on the lights, rather than solid objects, to facilitate scientific investigation and measurement. He chose the term "Hessdalen Lights" as the most neutral for engaging scientists. The project's focus is reflected in its reports and projects, such as the 1984 project, which utilized borrowed equipment valued at over 1 million Euros. Strand also decided that UFO investigations should be conducted independently of existing UFO organizations, anticipating the need for a coordinated effort involving ministries, police, military, and UFO organizations, as demonstrated by the Belgian events of 1989-1991.

Data collected includes radar echoes (up to 30,000 km/h), electromagnetic disturbances, and magnetic field changes. Strand also conducted experiments with a laser, which caused the light phenomena to change frequency (doubling) in eight out of nine cases. He was unsure if the laser was accurately hitting the flash and how much energy was delivered. A week later, project participants and locals observed red laser beams around their legs. Some project participants reported a feeling of "sea legs" when the lights appeared, similar to sensations experienced during low-frequency sound or electromagnetic wave exposure, as described by an astronaut. The phenomenon also caused a decrease in the conductivity of underground electrical cables.

Hessdalen has hosted significant visitors, including an international conference in 1994 with 27 participants from 8 countries. The presence of Russian physicist Prof. Boris Smirnov led to further commitments. David Fryberger's positive assessment of the need to research the Hessdalen phenomenon further improved press coverage.

Contacts with the Italian INAF institute began in 1994, with the institute's director personally experiencing a sighting in 1997. Since 2000, the institute has been actively involved, operating antennas and measurement equipment in the "Blue Box" container. The EMBLA project started in 2001. Science camps have been held annually since 2000, allowing students to participate in the project. In 2004, a camp produced a spectacular oscillating light similar to the 1984 project. Since 2010, there has been active cooperation with GEIPAN, who are currently conducting high-sensitivity measurements of magnetic variations. The Saturday excursion is planned to visit one of the two measurement points.

Spectral analysis of the lights indicates a non-continuous spectrum, suggesting solid objects as the source, contrary to the plasma hypothesis. Various types of lights have been observed, including single, double, triple, and quadruple lights. Phenomena with a real distance/length of 2.2 km have been recorded. Comparing the spectrum to that of VEGA suggests the need to expand the measurement range to the ultraviolet spectrum. Strand stated, "We are not seeing everything yet. The further we extend the spectrum, the more we will see."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" demonstrates a commitment to rigorous investigation and open-minded inquiry into anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor detailed reporting of research, personal experiences, and historical analysis. The magazine presents a balanced approach, acknowledging skepticism while exploring various hypotheses, from ancient astronaut theories to modern scientific investigations of phenomena like those in Hessdalen. There is a clear emphasis on documenting research efforts, including data collection, scientific analysis, and international collaboration. The inclusion of a travelogue suggests an interest in the experiential aspect of UFO research, while the analysis of ancient texts highlights a broader historical perspective. The magazine encourages detailed reporting and critical examination of evidence, as seen in the discussion of the McMinnville photos and the interpretation of ancient texts.

This issue of the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" (Journal for UFO Research), dated "AUSGABE 5-2013 NR. 209", features two main articles. The first, "Hessdalen-Lichter" (Hessdalen Lights), details a field trip and research in the Hessdalen valley of Norway. The second, "Schädeldeformationen als Götterimitation? – Teil 2" (Skull Deformations as Imitation of Gods? – Part 2), by André Kramer, explores the practice of cranial deformation across various cultures.

Hessdalen-Lichter

The article begins by describing the Hessdalen phenomenon, referencing images of the lights found online and on postcards. It recounts observations from a hunter in 1980 who saw three "hats" flying, and a 1991 Norwegian observation of light cones on snow that had a bactericidal effect on electromagnetic wave-sensitive bacteria, linking it to the project's electromagnetic wave measurements.

A significant find was a 1.5 x 5 m peat section that defied technical explanation. Two women attending the session reported finding similar unexplained peat sections in the excursion area. Erling Strand presented "min-min-lights" from Australia, which bear resemblance to the Hessdalen phenomenon. A cassette recorder captured excited participant voices during a sighting, with at least one sighting reported per camp. The author questions the reliability of claims of "about 20 sightings per year" in Hessdalen, suggesting more camps might yield more sightings.

The author found the presentation engaging. Copies of reports from Geophysical-Research-Abstracts and French collaboration with CNES (overseeing GEIPAN) were distributed, along with a map for the Saturday tour. A brief discussion determined participation and location for night observation. Due to persistent rain, the author decided to skip the night observation and return to Alen to stay overnight. The Saturday tour was scheduled to start at 10:00 AM from the Red Cross House.

The Saturday Excursion

The Saturday excursion began at 10:00 AM at the Red Cross House. After a night of rain, it had subsided to a drizzle. The tour involved two routes. Tour 1, lasting 2.5-3 hours, followed a yellow-marked toll road upwards. Tour 2 followed a green-marked toll road, which was not fully printed in the handout, suggesting a longer route. The tour included stops at a "Blue Box" (a monitoring station) and a kiosk for lunch.

The Blue Box had registered an event during the night. A couple in a VW bus also observed the night's events, including a flash at 1:00 AM. The group, consisting of five people in Erling Strand's all-wheel-drive car and the VW bus couple, paid 15 NOK per vehicle at the toll station. The route involved steep descents and ascents on loose gravel. Erling Strand shared a story about a previous sighting of a brown, cigar-shaped object near a river bridge, and a mountain where two people posted to observe a fixed light that eventually moved and approached them.

The tour continued, with the road quality being a challenge. The journey offered views of hills and a plateau. The road had a split-log surface to deter animals. They encountered sheep and cattle freely roaming the area.

Further Observations and Insights

The next stop was at the highest mountain (over 1,100 m), where water was still present and a lake offered fishing opportunities. A couple in a wooden house observed and counted birds, reporting data for conservation decisions. They also saw night flashes around 2:00 AM. The author, not fluent in Norwegian, missed much of the conversation.

Erling Strand mentioned UFO sightings on the other side of the mountain, in an area with no roads or houses. He was asked if he knew of similar landscapes in Germany, to which he replied that Norway has vast, similar regions. During the drives, conversations touched upon Hessdalen's reputation in ufology, which seemed unknown to many participants. The author inquired about the participants' reasons for being there.

Regarding vehicles, normal cars were used on the gravel roads, not just pickups or 4WDs. Erling Strand noted that the road is closed in winter, though some might use it for snowboarding. The passenger shared his upbringing with the UFO topic, while the driver expressed caution about discussing it publicly. The journey ended at a small farmstead, with a lake, plains, mountains, and silence. The author enjoyed the stops, noting the presence of berries.

The Blue Box's function was explained: it records events and uses image comparison with older data to detect anomalies. If a deviation is found, video recording starts. Other sensors continuously record electromagnetic deviations and magnetic fields, correlating them with Earth's magnetic field and UFO events.

On the way back, Erling Strand pointed out the Blue Box on the opposite side of the valley. Reaching the Blue Box site required stopping at the road and walking uphill. Erling Strand speculated about the animals present. The author helped carry equipment. The Blue Box is connected to the power grid via a wooden pole and has heating for the devices. It was confirmed that only one person could check on the station, primarily to ensure its presence. The number of Project-Hessdalen participants was around 600, with plans for two more stations.

The "Hessdalen-Friends" and Project Funding

Erling Strand mentioned that the "Hessdalen-Friends" initiative was a minor side project, with about 20 friends providing some budget. Funding for the project is tight, as indicated on the project's website. The group then proceeded with Tour 2, without the VW bus couple who knew the route well. This location was Erling Strand's preferred spot for projects and camps due to its elevated position offering good visibility, accessibility by car, and windiness. He noted that the first snow often falls there in September.

Erling Strand has an annual license for this route. He explained that projects are often held in winter to ensure sufficient darkness. French researchers have installed two measurement stations, each with 50m of cable laid in the earth, powered by solar panels and batteries, with data read annually. Since 2010, no correlations with sightings have been found. Erling Strand expressed concern about the project's annual cost of 130,000 NOK and the lack of sponsors. The article notes dissatisfaction from GEIPAN regarding the current state of the French equipment, including frequent recording failures and the need for travel expenses to maintain it.

Debunking Misconceptions

The author realized that common secondary literature descriptions of Hessdalen were inaccurate. Contrary to claims of seeing UFOs "coming up the valley," the terrain does not allow for a single viewpoint to observe the entire valley. Erling Strand pointed out multiple locations where sightings occurred, but these were not visible from each other, nor were all sightings confined to the valley floor. The large plateau area southwest of the valley, with its lakes, is not fully visible from any single point.

Further Sightings and Comparisons

The tour continued through an area with scattered houses, not permanently inhabited. When asked about sightings in the lakes, Erling Strand recalled a "green sphere in the water." The author drew a parallel to a GEP-USO case. They also discussed whether Hessdalen experienced filigree lights, similar to Belgian wave phenomena, which Erling Strand confirmed occurred rarely.

On Tour 2, the road ended, and they encountered a lemming. Elk are also present in the area, with lakes and birch greenery. They searched for the spot where the two women found the peat section years ago. The author inquired about tectonic stresses and earthquakes in the region, learning that it is generally calm. They waited for the women to find the spot, which they eventually did not.

The weather was expected to remain clear but cold at night. Due to camper defects, including a malfunctioning heating and boiler system linked to their water problem, the author's wife opted out of night observation. They returned to their campsite in Roros, experiencing a windy night in the camper. The author wondered how the VW bus couple fared on their exposed campsite.

Despite minor issues, the author found the Hessdalen-Friends tour positive, with many new experiences. They concluded by mentioning subsequent camping stops in Hoysand and Nyborg, Denmark.

Schädeldeformationen als Götterimitation? – Teil 2

This article by André Kramer examines the practice of intentional skull deformation across various cultures, exploring whether it was an attempt to imitate extraterrestrial beings.

Methods and Characteristics of Skull Deformation

Artificial head shaping was performed on infants when their skulls were still soft. Archaeologists and ethnologists have found various methods, including apparatuses made of tree bark used in Campo Morado, Argentina, and bandaging techniques observed in Vanuatu, Melanesia. Imbelloni classified skull deformation into three fundamental methods based on the shaping technique, which also determined the resulting form.

Classification and Variations

Kramer presents a table classifying skull deformations based on Imbelloni's system. The primary types are tabular (using pressure plates) and fronto-occipital (erect or oblique, using cradles or bandages). Circular or symmetrical deformations (using cradles or bandages) are also discussed. These basic forms have six variations, plus mimetic forms that don't fit any schema. Tabular deformations are achieved through devices with two boards, one on the front and one on the back of the head (pressure plates), or by flattening on a surface (cradle). Bandaging, which can be tightened, results in circular or symmetrical deformations (hood).

The article notes that tabular deformations are found in Eurasia, Central Africa, Australia, Oceania, and America. Fronto-occipital deformations are found in Eurasia, Borneo, and America. The findings from Teotihuacan suggest an emphasis on a broad forehead, while the Maya are known for their "tower heads" with very high foreheads. South America exhibits all three forms, with circular deformations absent in Ecuador and northern/central Peru but present in the Peruvian highlands and Bolivia.

Motivations for Skull Deformation

The motivations behind skull deformation are complex and not always clear from historical records. In a grave field in Straubing-Ahlburg, Germany, skulls with circular deformation belonged to women, but no evidence of a special social status was found, suggesting it might have been a general female beauty ideal. For the Maya, it's speculated that skull deformation was done to resemble Gott E, the maize god with a high forehead, possibly to gain social status given maize's importance.

In South America, the Inka ruler Manco Capac reportedly ordered skull deformation to make children "dumb and obedient," suggesting a deliberate reduction of social status. The article concludes that there is no single reason for this worldwide phenomenon, with motivations ranging from beauty standards and religious significance to social status (both upward and downward mobility).

Copying Behavior in Civilization Contacts

The article touches upon the Paläo-SETI hypothesis that contact with extraterrestrials could lead to human imitation behavior. While this topic was explored elsewhere by the author, this section briefly notes that few examples of such imitation are known.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores UFO phenomena, with a focus on scientific investigation and field research, as exemplified by the Hessdalen reports. The inclusion of detailed trip logs, interviews with researchers, and discussions of monitoring equipment highlights a commitment to empirical data. The second article demonstrates an interest in broader anthropological and historical contexts, examining ancient practices and their potential connections to theories of extraterrestrial influence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting research and theories while also critically evaluating them, as seen in the questioning of the alien imitation hypothesis for skull deformation.

This issue of JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (Volume 5-2013, Issue Nr. 209) is primarily dedicated to exploring the phenomenon of skull deformation across different cultures and its potential connection to the Paleo-SETI hypothesis. The journal critically examines whether these practices were an attempt to imitate extraterrestrial visitors, ultimately concluding that the evidence does not strongly support this theory.

Cultural Imitation and Skull Deformation

The issue begins by discussing how certain cultures, particularly in Melanesia, engaged in practices like cargo cults, where they imitated the technology and behavior of outsiders. This imitation was often driven by a desire to gain the perceived magical attributes of the originals, such as communication with ancestors or the ability to fly. Examples include the imitation of radio stations to make them magically functional or the adoption of military uniforms by cult followers.

Schamanism is presented as a broader concept encompassing magical practices, where shamans might use imitation magic (e.g., drawing prey or dressing as animals) to influence outcomes like rain or hunting success. The text references examples of flight hallucinations among indigenous peoples after consuming certain plants.

However, the journal argues that while imitation is a human trait, the widespread practice of skull deformation does not necessarily point to extraterrestrial influence. It notes that other forms of body modification, such as tattooing and piercing, are also globally prevalent and serve to express individuality and status. The variations in skull shapes created by different cultures suggest diverse aesthetic ideals rather than a singular model copied from alien beings.

Critiquing the Paleo-SETI Hypothesis

The article specifically challenges the Paleo-SETI (Paleo-Astronautics) hypothesis, which suggests that ancient civilizations were influenced by extraterrestrial visitors. The author posits that for this hypothesis to be valid, the practices attributed to it, such as skull deformation, must be operationalized and empirically testable. The journal suggests that negative results in such investigations are valuable as they help to filter out speculative theories and focus on more plausible explanations for potential ancient contact.

One argument for extraterrestrial influence is that some deformed skulls exhibit unusually large brain volumes. However, the journal refutes this by citing the Guinness Book of Records, which lists individuals with large skull volumes (up to 2500 cubic centimeters) from South America, suggesting these volumes are not necessarily abnormal or indicative of non-human origins.

Other Content and Publications

Beyond the main discussion on skull deformation, the issue also features information about GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens), a German UFO research organization. It highlights their research methods, which include questionnaires, interviews, and field studies, and mentions their interdisciplinary approach supported by various authorities and institutions.

The journal also promotes two publications:

1. "Unidentifizierte Flugobjekte über Großbritannien: Die UFOs des MoD Eine Dokumentation Teil 1": This is the first of four parts documenting declassified British Ministry of Defence UFO files from 1981-1985, translated into German.
2. "UFO-Forschung und Wissenschaft: Beiträge zur GEP-Fachtagung, 2.-3. Mai 2009, Hösbach": A collection of papers from a GEP conference covering topics like subjective UFO research, UFOs and mass media, and discourse analysis in UFO research.

Information is provided on how to order these publications and contact GEP.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena and related theories. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained events and phenomena, it emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific methodology, empirical evidence, and logical reasoning. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalist claims, particularly those related to ancient aliens (Paleo-SETI), while remaining open to genuine scientific investigation of UFO sightings and related mysteries. The publication aims to document UFO reports, classify them, and conduct thorough case studies, providing a platform for competent, scientifically-oriented reports on the UFO phenomenon.