Wonders - Vol 5 No 1 - 1998

Magazine Overview

WONDERS, Vol. 5 No. 1, published in March 1998, is dedicated to exploring mysteries of the unknown, with a particular focus on the proposed existence of a large, human-like primate species.

Editorial: Incompetence in place of conspiracy

In the editorial, Mark A. Hall argues that the public's suspicion of hidden truths, often fueled by popular media like 'The X-Files,' is misplaced. He contends that the widespread distrust of institutions stems not from elaborate conspiracies, but from pervasive general incompetence within the military, industrial, academic, and political complexes. Hall believes that human folly and ego are the primary reasons for our ignorance of genuine mysteries, rather than grand schemes of deception. Governments, in his view, merely reflect this societal failure to seek answers.

Homo gardarensis: A Different Kind of Bigfoot

This main article, authored by Mark A. Hall, presents the case for Homo gardarensis, a species of primate that allegedly co-existed with humans for millennia, developing its own culture but ultimately being outcompeted. The article posits that only remnants of this species survive today, remaining elusive and avoiding human detection. Hall asserts that Homo gardarensis will eventually be recognized as the 'Taller-hominid,' a category encompassing modern reports of seven-foot hairy beings found globally, including equivalents in South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The Skull from Greenland

The article details the discovery of a skull in Greenland in 1926 during the excavation of the archaeological remains of Gardar, a 12th-century Norse settlement. The skull, found among Norse burials, was initially studied by Prof. F.C.C. Hansen, an expert on Eskimos, who concluded it was not Eskimo but possibly from a Norseman who had reverted to an earlier stage of human evolution. This interpretation is dismissed by modern anthropology. Another theory suggested acromegaly, but Hansen found the proportions inconsistent. The skull is described as primitive in appearance, with cranium and jawbone nearly complete. Hansen noted extreme degree characters marking it as an ancient human type, comparable to La Chapelle and Rhodesian skulls.

Physical Descriptions and Evidence

Hall discusses the physical characteristics of the Taller-hominid (Homo gardarensis), distinguishing it from other reported primates like True Giants, Neo-Giants (Patterson's Bigfoot), and the Yeti. These beings are described as tall, lean, well-muscled, and covered in hair, with a mask-like appearance around the eyes that can cause them to glow at night. The article mentions that physical evidence, such as tracks, is often deliberately concealed. It also highlights instances of lost or misplaced skeletal remains, including a calverium found in California in 1965 and unusual skulls found in Minnesota in 1968, both of which were subsequently lost by scientific institutions.

The Tunnit and the Dorset Culture

The magazine then explores the connection between Homo gardarensis and the Tunnit (also known as Tornit or Tunnit), a race described in Eskimo folklore. These beings are said to have been giants with prodigious strength who inhabited the northeastern coast of Labrador, Hudson Strait, and southern Baffin Island. Archaeological evidence suggests they were the culture bearers of the Dorset people, who lived in the Canadian Arctic from approximately 2500 BCE to 1000 BCE. The article suggests that the Tunnit were eventually exterminated or driven out by the Eskimos, who were more efficient hunters and warriors. Descriptions of Tunnit houses, made of stone and turf with whale bone structures, and their unique methods of dressing sealskins and hunting deer are provided. Their weapons, including flint-headed lances and harpoons, were larger but less refined than Eskimo tools. The Tunnit also had distinct footwear made from sealskin. The article recounts stories of their interactions with Eskimos, including conflicts over resources and intermarriage, and mentions the eventual demise of the Tunnit, with tales of a giant at Hebron being the last of their kind.

The Labrador Eskimo Account

Ernest William Hawkes' 1916 work, 'The Labrador Eskimo,' is cited for its information on the Tunnit. According to tradition, they were a gigantic race inhabiting the northeastern coast of Labrador and surrounding areas. Ruins of their stone houses and graves are found in these regions. The oldest Eskimos of northern Labrador point to these ruins and relate traditions of their coexistence with the Tunnit until the latter were exterminated or driven out. An old Nachvak Eskimo recounts how the Tunnit, in ancient times, had two villages and built their homes on exposed shores, showing little knowledge of boats. They reportedly stole kayaks from the Eskimos, initiating a conflict. Despite their strength, the Tunnit are described as a 'stupid, slow-going race' that fell prey to the Eskimos' hunting tactics. The article details their methods of warfare, including boring holes in foreheads with awls, and their unique construction methods for houses and boats. The Tunnit were eventually exterminated by the Eskimos, with tales of stratagems used to overcome them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of WONDERS are the existence of unknown primate species (cryptozoology), the interpretation of folklore and archaeological evidence, and a critical view of official narratives and conspiracy theories. The editorial stance, as expressed by Mark A. Hall, is that genuine mysteries are obscured by human incompetence and folly rather than deliberate conspiracy, and that the pursuit of truth requires an honest examination of evidence, even if it challenges established viewpoints.

This issue of WONDERS magazine, dated March 1998, issue number 11, focuses on the phenomenon of Taller-hominids, presenting a global survey of reports, folklore, and historical accounts.

The Toonijuk and Early Encounters

The article begins by discussing the Toonijuk, a prehistoric people said to have inhabited the land from the Bering Strait to Greenland before the arrival of the Eskimos. The natives described them as large, with peculiar habits such as eating rotten meat and tucking it into their clothing. They also had a method of drying caribou hides by wrapping them around their bodies and practiced trepanation for severe headaches. The Toonijuk were attributed with extraordinary speed when running, a characteristic that appears repeatedly in legends of these primates.

North American Traditions and Sightings

In the Pacific Northwest, indigenous peoples referred to Taller-hominids as "Stick Indians," describing them as tall, active at night, and communicating with whistles. They were known to use bows and sometimes kidnapped people. Similar accounts come from the Yakima Indians and Oklahoma tribes, who spoke of "Tall People."

In the nineteenth century, newspaper reports began to surface, labeling these beings as "Wildmen" and "monsters." Examples include an 1829 account of a "True Giant" in Georgia, measuring 13 feet tall. In 1856, a "wild man" was tracked along the Arkansas-Louisiana border, who fell through ice, attacked a horseman, and rode off on a horse. In 1871, Texas reported an "immense orang outang" about seven feet high, covered in hair, with shining eyes.

Recent Anglo-American traditions include the "Woods Devils" of New Hampshire, described as tall, skinny, grey, and very hairy, known for their speed and "awful screams."

Michigan Reports

The Thumb region of Michigan has a history of Taller-hominid reports dating back to 1862. A family of "savage beings" was reported from Saginaw to Mount Clemens. In 1910, a family of German immigrants near Fenton, Michigan, reported seeing five naked and hairy beings on a lake shore. These creatures swam across the lake and disappeared into the woods. The parents cautioned their children to keep silent about the sighting.

The article notes that modern accounts in Michigan have been influenced by the "Bigfoot" image, potentially obscuring the distinctions between different primate types. However, specific reports from Port Huron (1969), Yale (1981), and Vassar (1983) continue to describe tall, hairy creatures.

South American Accounts

South America also has reports suggesting the survival of Taller-hominids. Colonel P.H. Fawcett's 1914 encounter in the Amazon forest with the Maricoxis tribe is detailed. These beings were described as "great apelike brutes," enormous, hairy, and armed with bows and arrows. Later, in 1971, Fritz Tolksdorf documented traditions of the "Morocoxo," described as half-man, half-beast, covered in long hair, and having a bad smell.

Asian and European Reports

In Asia and Europe, Taller-hominids are known as "Wildman of the Forest" or "Keeper of Animals." Maya Bykova documented encounters with a wildman named "Mechny" in Western Siberia. Other names and descriptions include Kul, Zemlemer, Tungu, Chuchunaa, and Yag-Mort from various regions of Russia and Siberia. These accounts often come from ordinary people like fishermen and reindeer herders.

In China, a 1977 report from the Shaanxi Province describes an encounter with a "hairy man" about seven feet tall, with wide shoulders and a sloping forehead.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout the issue emphasize the elusive and shy nature of these beings, their remarkable speed, hairy appearance, and the variety of names they are given across different cultures. The magazine presents these accounts as evidence for the continued presence of Taller-hominids, distinct from the popularized notion of a single "Bigfoot" entity. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into anomalous primate reports, drawing from folklore, historical records, and contemporary witness testimony.

This issue of WONDERS, dated March 1998, focuses on the topic of "Taller-hominids," specifically exploring the concept of Homo gardarensis and its potential survival in modern times. The issue delves into folklore, physical descriptions, and evidence such as tracks, while also featuring a personal account of an encounter with a wildman.

The "Hairy Man" of China and European "Wild Men"

The article begins by describing a creature from China, referred to as the "hairy man," whose description matches Homo gardarensis. This is followed by an exploration of European folklore concerning "Wild Men" and "Wild Women." These beings were known to various Central European cultures, including Bohemians, Lusatian Serbs, Poles, Slovenians, and Bulgarians. The "Wild Women" are described as good-looking with large heads, long hair, hairy bodies, and long fingers, living in underground burrows and subsisting on gathered grain, roots, liquorice, game, and fish. They were known for their crude culture, closeness to nature, and abilities, often interacting with human villages, sometimes intermarrying. The "Wild Men," less frequently mentioned, were described as living in forests, covered in hair or moss, and possessing great strength. They were known to tease gamekeepers and forest rangers and chase deer. Slovenian tradition mentions the "Divji Moz" living in forest caves with terrible strength. The article notes that these descriptions align with modern accounts of Taller-hominids in North America and Asia.

Wildmen in East Africa and Scandinavian Traditions

Further research by Jacqueline Roumeguere-Eberhardt on East African tribes, including the Masai, has also described types of wildmen, with evidence including a unique bow, arrows, and a bag left by a wild man. In Scandinavia, Taller-hominids have been historically referred to as trolls and Trold-folk, believed to emerge from mountains to steal maidens. Across Northern Europe, similar beings like Wood-goblins and Wood-spirits are recalled, sharing traits with the "Wild Women" and "Wild Men" of Slavic mythology, characterized by hairiness, familiarity with nature, and helpfulness during harvest. The Sagas mention trolls being hunted down, and when the Norse reached the New World, they were familiar with Taller-hominids as trolls, reporting sightings upon arrival. The article suggests that the Norse might have used trolls as runners, referencing a saga about Thorfinn Karlsevne and his encounters with creatures called "Hake" and "Hekja."

The Skull from Gardar and the Zana Case

The introduction of a Taller-hominid into the village at Gardar in Greenland in the twelfth century, where it was buried in the Norse churchyard and later unearthed in 1926, is presented as a plausible association given the Norse familiarity with trolls. This is compared to the case of Zana in the Caucasus Mountains, another primate group member reportedly adopted into a human community.

Jan Klement's "The Creature: Personal Experiences with Bigfoot"

The article then focuses on a 1976 booklet titled "The Creature: Personal Experiences with Bigfoot" by Jan Klement, published by Allegheny Press. The author, who uses a pseudonym and claims to be a geology teacher, describes events from 1972 involving frequent contact with a wildman near his cabin in southwestern Pennsylvania. This wildman, whom Klement named "Kong," was described as a muscular, hairy being, seven feet tall, with large eyes, a small nose, and somewhat pointed ears. Kong did not speak but responded to commands and made sounds like screeches and whimpers. Klement was unable to observe Kong's tracks as it left no impressions. Kong was wary of man-made objects and demonstrated great facility in the woods. The contacts lasted from September to December 1972, after which Kong became ill and died. Klement, deeply affected, concealed the body by dismembering and burying it, losing the opportunity for scientific study.

The author of the WONDERS article endorses the basic validity of Klement's description of a type of wildman, matching Homo gardarensis, despite Klement's own reluctance to endorse his work. The article laments Klement's anonymity, suggesting it hinders scientific progress and understanding of these primate relatives.

Tracks of the Taller-hominid

The third category of evidence discussed is distinctive tracks. The article notes that Taller-hominid tracks are typically long, narrow, and somewhat curved, measuring between 3 by 10 inches and 5 by 14.5 inches. The difficulty in studying these tracks is attributed to the creatures' cleverness in concealing them, as exemplified by Kong leaving no impressions. Additionally, the tracks are not gigantic, often being only moderately larger than human footprints, and sometimes the Taller-hominids may wear footgear, such as moccasins or wraps made of skins, which can obscure their tracks. A shod track example from Stanley, North Carolina, in 1977, measured 4.5 by 14.5 inches. Such tracks have been reported from locations including the Yukon, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas. These tracks are distinguished from those of the Yeti, Patterson's "Bigfoot" (Neo-Giant), and True Giants, as well as from Neandertal Man and Homo erectus, based on their unique dimensions and characteristics.

The Origins and Survival of Higher Primates

The final section discusses the origins of the Taller-hominid, suggesting they may have evolved from fossils identified as "archaic Homo sapiens." The most recent fossil evidence cited is the skull from Gardar, Greenland, dating to the twelfth century AD. Skulls from Africa and Eurasia, such as the Kabwe, Petralona, Steinheim, Vertsszollos, and Dali crania, are combined with Homo gardarensis to support the idea of the Taller-hominids being the most widespread and successful primate after Homo sapiens. The article lists six surviving higher primates: True Giants (Gigantopithecus), Yetis (Dryopithecus), Neo Giants (Paranthropus), Taller-hominids (Homo gardarensis), Shorter-hominids (Neanderthal Man), and Least-hominids (Homo erectus). It posits that Homo sapiens is not the only self-aware and culture-capable primate, and the reluctance of establishment science to acknowledge these other primates stems from human ego and the species' desire for survival. Taller-hominids are described as having excellent evasion skills, speed, and strength, making them appear almost mythical.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the existence and study of "Taller-hominids" (Homo gardarensis) as a living primate species, distinct from Homo sapiens. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for the serious consideration of evidence from folklore, personal accounts, and physical traces, challenging the skepticism of mainstream science. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of understanding and potentially aiding the survival of these near-human primates, despite the difficulties and hazards involved in their study and potential interaction.

Title: WONDERS
Issue: 31
Volume: 4
Date: March 1998

This issue of WONDERS delves into the evolution and place of Homo sapiens within the broader context of primate competitors and hominid history. It challenges anthropocentric views and calls for a re-evaluation of human uniqueness.

The Rise of Homo Sapiens and Hominid Survival

The lead article posits that while size is not the sole determinant of intelligence, the organization of the brain in Homo sapiens, encompassing speech, dexterity, social skills, and fertility, has been crucial to their dominance. The text notes the coexistence of different hominid species, such as Homo erectus alongside Homo sapiens, suggesting that the survival of hominids, including descendants of 'Homo gardarensis' and other primates, is inevitable.

The article advocates for dedicating resources to the study of Homo gardarensis, treating them as 'living fossils' with a flesh-and-blood presence that can be studied. It emphasizes the need to gather data on their survival, life habits, behavior, and overall status. The fossil record, specifically a dated fossil from Gardar, is highlighted as an important resource that should be utilized.

For those interested in encountering 'wildmen,' the article references "The Creature" by 'Jan Klement,' suggesting readers learn from Klement's experiences, including his failures to communicate and document his encounter.

A central theme is the challenge to the idea of human uniqueness on Earth. The author asserts that the planet is fully occupied by primate competitors that are aware of human activities, contrary to human pretense.

Notes and References

The issue includes an extensive "NOTES" section, comprising 40 numbered references. These references span a wide range of publications, including academic journals, books, and websites, covering topics such as:

• Hominid Studies: References to "The Gardar Skull and the Taller-hominid" by Mark A. Hall, and "New Discoveries Relating to the Antiquity of Man" by Sir Arthur Keith.
• Cryptozoology and Folklore: Works like "The Yeti, Bigfoot & True Giants" by Mark A. Hall, "Buried Treasure at Chatsworth" by Matt Moneymaker, and "Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come to Life" by Ivan T. Sanderson.
• Anthropology and Ethnography: Publications on the "Prehistory of the Eastern Arctic" by Moreau S. Maxwell, "The Labrador Eskimo" by Ernest William Hawkes, and works by Franz Boas and Henry Rink on indigenous peoples.
• Specific Sightings and Accounts: References to "Encounters with True Giants," "The Fouke Monster Had Look-Alikes," and various Bigfoot and Yeti accounts from Michigan and other regions.
• Paleontology: A citation to "Latest Homo erectus of Java: Potential Contemporaneity with Homo sapiens in Southeast Asia" in Science.

These references indicate a broad research base for the articles presented in the magazine, drawing from scientific, historical, and anecdotal sources related to hominids, cryptids, and human origins.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around hominid evolution, the potential existence of undiscovered or under-studied hominid species (like Homo gardarensis), and a critical examination of human exceptionalism. The editorial stance appears to be one that encourages open-minded research into phenomena that challenge conventional scientific paradigms, advocating for the study of anomalies and the re-evaluation of humanity's place in the natural world. There is a clear emphasis on challenging the anthropocentric viewpoint and acknowledging the presence and significance of other primate species and potential hominid relatives.