Wonders - Vol 2 No 4 - 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: WONDERS
Subtitle: Seeking the Truth in a Universe of Mysteries
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 4
Date: December 1993
Publisher: Mark A. Hall Publications and Research
Country of Publication: USA
Language: English

This issue of WONDERS, published quarterly by Mark A. Hall Publications and Research, focuses on the topic of the Yeti, aiming to rescue the term from decades of loose application. The editor, Mark A. Hall, expresses concern about the imprecise use of terms like 'Yeti' and 'Bigfoot,' which have become codewords for mystery and menace without specific definitions. He advocates for defining terms clearly and embracing new paradigms to determine what is genuine in the field of cryptozoology.

Editorial: Defining Terms and Tracks

The editorial by Mark A. Hall addresses the misuse of the term 'Yeti' and 'Bigfoot.' He notes that 'Yeti' has been used as a headline word for mystery and menace, while 'Bigfoot' has been applied to any maker of bare footprints. He recalls how anthropologist John Napier transferred the name 'Yeti' to Asia, and how the Chinese use 'wildmen' for similar creatures. Hall argues that the assumption that only one species makes tracks is erroneous and hinders progress. He stresses the importance of defining terms to avoid confusion, especially in regions like the Pacific Northwest, which may host multiple unknown primate species.

The Yeti by Mark A. Hall

This section delves into the history and classification of the Yeti and related creatures. Hall posits that human beings have always encountered their 'poor relations' – other primates – but have been reluctant to acknowledge them, referring to them as 'wild men,' 'monsters,' or 'forest spirits.' These creatures, often equated to 'fossil men,' live apart from human communities and have historically interacted through trading and warfare, but now avoid humans due to the latter's weaponry. The primary reason for this separation is the competition for living space and resources.

The Yeti is defined as the oldest formal acknowledgment of mankind's poor relations in the Western world, first appearing in dictionaries as 'Yeti' or 'Abominable Snowman.' Hall intends to define this specific type of primate found in the mountains of Asia and discuss how similar creatures are known elsewhere under different names. The Yeti is described as a capable primate with sufficient strength and intelligence to adapt to various climates, but it survives in fewer numbers due to competition with other adaptable primates and humans. The widespread recognition of the Yeti over other relatives is attributed to psychological factors, with people in the twentieth century inclined to believe that 'new' animals would appear in remote, wild areas.

The article traces the Yeti's recognition, starting with Lawrence Waddell's 1889 observation of tracks in the eastern Himalayas, attributed by locals to 'wildmen of the snows.' The name 'Abominable Snowman' emerged in 1921 from tracks observed by C.K. Howard-Bury. The term 'Yeti' appeared in 1937 as an equivalent. H.W. Tilman summarized the history in 1948, noting reports of large, circular tracks. A pivotal moment was in 1951 when Eric Shipton, Michael Ward, and Sen Tensing found fresh tracks on the Menlung Glacier. Shipton's photographs of these prints, which were remarkably clear, convinced him of the Yeti's reality. W.H. Murray also reported on these tracks.

Following Shipton's findings, expeditions were launched, funded by entities like the London Daily Mail. Books by Ralph Izzard and Charles Stonor documented these efforts. Interest peaked and then declined after Edmund Hillary's 1960 expedition. The article notes that while local populations knew of various animals that could be tracked, the public was often presented with a simplified 'Abominable Snowman' narrative. Cryptozoologists Bernard Heuvelmans and Ivan T. Sanderson discussed these creatures in their major works, but the influence of journalism and Hollywood complicated the picture.

A wealth of names for these mountain creatures exists globally. The article touches upon the difficulty in deciphering these names and warns against relying solely on popular nomenclature.

Classification of Primate Relatives

The magazine presents a classification of three main types of primate relatives, illustrated in Figure 4:

1. Giant Bears: Identified as the Dzu-teh (or Chu-teh) of Tibet, considered a rare, large bear. Slick found a 10.5-inch track confirmed to be of a bear.
2. Neo-Giants: These are described as 'Big Yeti' and 'Little Yeti' with distinct tracks. The 'Big Yeti' track, 13 inches long, is similar to the massive, flat-footed track seen in the 'Bigfoot' film. Sanderson suggested the term 'Neo-Giant' for this primate found in Asia and the Americas, likely corresponding to fossil primates like Paranthropus. Popular names include 'Gin-Sung' in China. A drawing by Wladimir Tschernezky, based on witness accounts, depicts an 8-ft creature.
3. Yetis: This category refers to the 'Little Yeti' described by Tom Slick, identified as the classic rock-climbing pongid that leaves the tracks photographed by Shipton. These creatures are found in Asia and are described as ape-like, 5-6 feet tall, with long hair on the upper body.
4. True Giants: Edmund Hillary and Desmond Doig learned of the 'Nyalmo' in Nepal, described as giant-sized (up to twenty feet tall), manlike, and hairy. These are considered survivors of Gigantopithecus, a type previously discussed in Wonders Vol. 1.

Figure 4 visually compares the Yeti (Dryopithecus indicus), True Giant (Gigantopithecus), and Neo-Giant (Paranthropus; Australopithecus robustus), detailing their likely appearance, probable fossil type, popular names across different continents, size estimates, and footprint dimensions.

Figure 5 illustrates a world map showing various names given to the Yeti and related creatures across different regions, including 'Yeti' in Asia, 'Banmanche,' 'Thloh-Mung,' 'Packda,' 'Bali Djakai/Beruang Rambai' in Southeast Asia, and 'Casey Flat Gorilla,' 'NAPE,' 'Kashehotapalo,' 'Tano Giant,' 'Apamandi,' 'Muhalu,' 'Ngoloko,' and 'Kikomba' in other parts of the world.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical need for precise terminology and clear definitions in the study of unknown primates. The editorial stance, as articulated by Mark A. Hall, is one of rigorous inquiry, urging readers to move beyond sensationalism and journalistic shorthand. Hall emphasizes that the field of cryptozoology must adopt scientific rigor, distinguishing between different types of creatures and avoiding the conflation of distinct phenomena under broad, popularized labels like 'Yeti' or 'Bigfoot.' The magazine advocates for a systematic approach to understanding these 'poor relations' of humankind, grounded in historical evidence, witness accounts, and comparative analysis with fossil primates.

This issue of WONDERS, dated December 1993 and identified as volume 83, focuses heavily on the cryptozoological phenomenon of the Yeti, also known as the Abominable Snowman. The magazine explores various aspects of the Yeti and related hairy hominid creatures found across different continents.

Categories of Hairy Hominids

The article begins by categorizing large hairy creatures. Sanderson's classification includes True Giants and Neo-Giants, with the latter encompassing creatures like the Kung-lu in Southeast Asia. Shorter-hominids are described as 'wildmen' of moderate size, such as the Meti, noted for its reddish hair and approximately five feet six inches in height. The Slick team designated one track as possibly Neanderthal man. Other names mentioned for these creatures include Mi-Go or Me-Gu, with a recent caution in Sikkim about encountering the Me-Gu. The 'Little People' category, discovered by Gerald Russell in 1958, refers to small primates found in Nepal, described as having red fur and being four to five feet tall. These are also identified as Thelma or Pyar-them in Sikkim, Bhutan, and Tibet. The proliferation of these types is presented as a necessary aspect of cryptozoological study, distinct from misperceptions of fewer types.

The Yeti itself is presented as having emerged from this cadre of hairy wonders, continuing to make rare appearances and leave distinctive tracks. The article critiques the Encyclopedia Britannica's 1968 entry on the Abominable Snowman, calling it a 'masterpiece of misinformation' attributed to Leonard H. Matthews. Matthews' description is systematically debunked, with the article asserting that the Yeti is a real animal, not a mythical monster or bogeyman, living in montane forests below the snow line and leaving tracks distinct from those of bears. The 'scalps' attributed to the Yeti are identified as artifacts made in imitation.

Historical Accounts and Research

The history of the Yeti's investigation began in earnest in 1953 with Charles Stonor's trip to Sherpa country. Stonor gathered information from the Lepchas, who referred to a beast as the Thloh-Mung, meaning 'Mountain Savage.' This creature was described as cunning, ferocious, man-like, covered in dark hair, and more intelligent than a monkey. The Lepchas believed these animals disappeared as human population increased and forests diminished, possibly surviving as the Yeti in Nepal. Stonor's subsequent travels in Nepal and the Sherpa country revealed consistent descriptions of the Yeti, living in bleak alpine country above the tree-line, though encounters also occurred below it. The creature was described as having stiff, reddish-brown and black hair, a pointed head, a bare face with a squashed nose, and a loud wailing call. It was known to walk on two legs or four, feeding on small rodents, animals, and insects. A senior monk at Pangboche described a Yeti lair made of interwoven juniper branches.

Elaborate 'debunking' of Yeti evidence in 1960 by Edmund Hillary's team is dismissed as a publicity stunt. The article notes that costume items were used to represent the Yeti in ceremonies.

Yeti-like Creatures in Other Regions

The article expands the scope beyond the Himalayas, exploring similar creatures reported in other parts of the world.

Africa

In Africa, Sanderson mentions the 'Tano Giant' in West Africa (Ghana) and the 'Muhalu' in the Ituri Forest, Congo. A Swiss animal collector, Charles Cordier, reported on a giant ape in the eastern forests of the former Belgian Congo. This creature is described as black, hairy, long-haired, as large as or larger than a man, broad-shouldered, walking upright, and sometimes using a stick. It climbs trees for honey, eats tubers and fruits, and destroys dead trees for larvae. It screams frighteningly at night. This creature is known by various local names, including 'Kikomba,' 'Apamandi/Abamaanji,' 'Zaluzugu,' and 'Tshingombe.'

In Kenya, the 'Ngoloko' or 'Milhoi' is described as a rare creature living in forests and mangrove swamps. J.A.G. Elliott reported accounts of it, noting its isolated life, habit of clearing a space when lying down, feeding on honey and blood, and its strong, unpleasant smell. Elliott's investigation of Ngoloko tracks led to the conclusion that the animal was bipedal, with a pad-like print featuring a deep hole for a large nail or single claw, a thumb-mark, and no distinct toes. Its weight was estimated to be at least twice that of an average man. The stride varied from slow walking to a jog-trot and potentially top speed.

Another African legend is the 'Kashehotapalo' from Louisiana Choctaw Indian lore. Described as neither man nor beast, it has a small head, shriveled face, a man's body, and deer-like legs with cloven hoofs. It lives in swampy areas and frightens hunters with loud calls and swift movements.

North America

The article then addresses the presence of Yeti-like creatures in North America, suggesting their arrival with early human migrations. Reports date back to the 1800s, with creatures described in American Indian lore resembling the Yeti. Loren E. Coleman is cited as a proponent of this idea, noting frequent reports from the American South. Examples include a hairy creature in Ohio in the 19th century, sightings of 'The Thing' in Kentucky in the 1960s, and 'Knobby' in North Carolina in 1979. The 'Lake Worth Monster' in Texas and 'manimals' along the Red River of the South are also mentioned. The Fouke Monster in Arkansas is suggested as possibly being related to the American Yeti. Traditions of swamp creatures and screaming 'hants' in Alabama and Mississippi are also noted.

Isolated encounters provide more detailed information. A 12-year-old boy in Arkansas described a creature about 5 feet 8 inches tall with long arms, a bald head, long hair on the body, and human-like ears and eyes. In Arkansas in 1938, Curtis Sharp reported being chased by a 7-foot tall, upright-walking ape-like creature. Other families in the area reported mysterious screams. The Kashehotapalo legend from Louisiana is also presented, with its name derived from its cry resembling a woman's call.

Tracks resembling Yeti tracks have been found in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota. Loren Coleman found an ape-like print in Illinois, leading him to coin the term 'NAPE' (North American Ape). Mike Quast in Minnesota has gathered accounts suggesting a small family unit of these creatures. Reports from California in 1891 mention the 'Casey Flat Gorilla,' described as stooped, six feet tall, with a human-like head and shaggy hair. In Labrador around 1913, people reported seeing 'apes' with peculiar split toes.

Other Regions

Sanderson also mentions information from Central America suggesting the Yeti might be known in Guatemala, distinct from the 'Sisemite.' The possibility of the Yeti's presence in South America is also raised.

Physical Characteristics and Possible Ancestry

The article notes that reports from Asia, Africa, and North America consistently describe similar apes larger than currently recognized species. The survival of the genus *Dryopithecus* is proposed as a possible explanation. *Dryopithecus indicus* fossils found in Pakistan suggest large apes existed in the Himalayas. Related fossils have been found in Europe and Africa, with *Dryopithecus* specimens resembling those from Europe and East Africa.

Conclusion and Editorial Stance

The issue concludes by emphasizing that while these creatures may not be numerous, listening to individual accounts could yield more knowledge. The article advocates for treating the Yeti and similar phenomena with respect, akin to the Sherpas' attitude. It laments the current lack of patience and will to study these extraordinary primate relatives, attributing this to internal human factors rather than a lack of evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the global presence of large, hairy, ape-like creatures, the scientific investigation and debunking of myths surrounding them, and the potential evolutionary links to ancient primates. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, critical analysis of evidence, and a call for respectful, dedicated study of these unexplained phenomena. The magazine actively challenges established scientific explanations and common folklore, presenting a case for the continued existence of these creatures and the importance of their study.

This issue of WONDERS magazine, dated December 1993, is Volume 2 and focuses on the topic of the Yeti and other hominoid creatures. The cover features an illustration of a Yeti and two explorers, with the year 1993 prominently displayed. The magazine is published by Mark Hall and offers WONDERS Vol. 2, containing four issues for 1993, for $14.50 postpaid in North America and $19 elsewhere.

Figure 7: Yeti Tracks

The central feature of this issue appears to be Figure 7, which illustrates various tracks attributed to the Yeti in Asia, Africa, and North America. The outlines are drawn to the same scale, with dimensions for width and length provided in inches.

• a. Eric Shipton's track found in 1951 on the Menlung Glacier, which was studied by Wladimir Tschernezky and published in Nature.
• b. Tom Slick's track found in 1957 in Nepal. This outline is based on a photograph of a cast, with further discussion on page 88.
• c. Charles Cordier's track of the Apamandi from the Congo, recorded in Sanderson's "Abominable Snowmen."
• d. Charles Cordier's track of an unknown ape in the Congo, also recorded in Sanderson.
• e. A track found and photographed by Steven Hakeman in Iowa in 1978.
• f. Loren Coleman's track found in Illinois in 1962, from his photograph published in "Mysterious America."

Notes and Bibliography

The majority of the content consists of extensive 'NOTES' and a 'BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THE YETI 1960-1993' compiled by Mark A. Hall. These sections serve as a comprehensive reference for research on the Yeti.

The 'NOTES' section (pages 94-96) provides citations for various books, articles, and authors related to the Yeti and other cryptids. It references works by prominent figures in the field such as Harold William Tilman, Eric Shipton, Michael Ward, Edmund Hillary, Ivan Sanderson, Loren E. Coleman, and Bernard Heuvelmans. The notes often provide specific page numbers and publication details, indicating the depth of research undertaken.

The 'BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THE YETI 1960-1993' (pages 96-99) is a detailed listing of publications concerning the Yeti. It supplements Ivan Sanderson's earlier bibliography in "Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come to Life" (1961) and includes items published before 1960 that were not in Sanderson's work. The compiler, Mark A. Hall, notes that many juvenile books and newspaper articles are excluded due to space limitations. The bibliography includes entries for a wide range of authors and publications, such as:

• Janet and Colin Bord's "Alien Animals" and "The Evidence for Bigfoot and Other Man-Beasts."
• Jerome Clark's "Unexplained!"
• Loren E. Coleman's "Mysterious America" and "Tom Slick and the Search for the Yeti."
• Bernard Heuvelmans' "On the Track of Unknown Animals."
• John Napier's "Bigfoot: The Yeti and Sasquatch in Myth and Reality."
• Ivan Sanderson's "Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come to Life."
• Eric Shipton's autobiography "That Untravelled World."
• Odette Tchernine's works on the snowman.

The bibliography also includes entries for "Yeti" in "The Oxford English Dictionary" and "Man and Beast."

Index to Volume 2

Pages 100-101 contain an 'INDEX TO VOLUME 2 OF WONDERS,' listing various topics and names covered in the volume. This index includes entries for "Abominable Snowman, see Yeti," "Bigfoot," "Cryptozoology," and numerous specific creature names and researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is clearly the Yeti and the evidence for its existence, primarily focusing on physical traces like footprints. The magazine appears to present a serious, research-oriented approach to cryptozoology, evidenced by the extensive bibliographical work. The inclusion of detailed citations and a comprehensive bibliography suggests an editorial stance that values thorough documentation and scholarly investigation of unexplained phenomena. The magazine aims to be a resource for researchers and enthusiasts interested in the Yeti and related mysteries.