Top 10 Out-of-Place Artifacts

Out-of-place artifacts, or OOPArts, are objects discovered in locations where their existence seems implausible. These enigmatic items often attract creationists and others who challenge evolutionary theory, as well as those supporting ancient astronaut theories, religious accounts of pre-history, or the idea of lost advanced civilizations. Below is a curated list of the top 10 most intriguing out-of-place artifacts.

10. Baigong Pipes

Located near Mount Baigong, approximately 40 km southeast of Delingha in China's Qinghai Province, the Baigong Pipes are a collection of pipe-like structures. These features are linked to a pyramid-like formation on the mountain, standing 50 to 60 meters tall. The pyramid's front houses three caves, with the two smaller ones collapsed and only the largest, measuring 6 meters in height, accessible. Inside this cave, two pipe-like structures were discovered, one measuring 40 cm in diameter and appearing as a reddish-brown half-pipe. Another similar pipe was also found within the cave. Additionally, numerous upright pipes, ranging from 10 to 40 cm in diameter, were observed protruding from the mountain above the cave.

Discovered in 1933 among pre-Columbian burial items in the Tecaxic-Calixtlahuaca region of the Toluca Valley, about 65 kilometers west of Mexico City, the Tecaxic-Calixtlahuaca head is a terracotta artifact believed to be part of a larger figurine. Its distinct non-Amerind features, including a beard, and its unique style have led some to suggest a Roman origin, potentially indicating pre-Columbian trans-oceanic contact. The discovery site appears to be an undisturbed pre-colonial area. A 1995 thermoluminescence test conducted by P. Schaaf and G.A. Wagner at the FS Archaeömetrie unit in Heidelberg, Germany, dated the artifact between the 9th century B.C. and the mid-13th century A.D., confirming its pre-colonial authenticity. Bernard Andreae of the German Institute of Archaeology in Rome identified its style as Roman, estimating its origin to the 2nd century A.D. based on its hairstyle and beard.

The Starchild skull, discovered in Mexico, is an unusual human-like skull that has sparked debate among scientists and paranormal enthusiasts. Acquired by Lloyd Pye, a researcher in alternative knowledge, in 1999, the skull was reportedly found in the 1930s in a mine tunnel near Chihuahua, Mexico, alongside a normal human skeleton. The skull exhibits several anomalies: its brain cavity measures 1600 cubic centimeters, significantly larger than an average adult's, and it lacks frontal sinuses. Dental analysis suggests it belonged to a child, yet its features, such as shallow oval orbits and a flattened back, are highly unusual. DNA tests confirmed the child had a human mother, but carbon dating places its age at around 900 years.

The Aluminum Wedge of Aiud, discovered in 1974 near Aiud, Romania, is a mysterious object found alongside mastodon bones. Some speculate it could be evidence of ancient extraterrestrial visitors, as its design resembles landing gear, and aluminum was not mass-produced until the 19th century. Found buried under 35 feet of sand, its origin and purpose remain unexplained, with some attributing its existence to restricted archaeological research during Romania's communist era.

6. The Coso Artifact

Discovered on February 13, 1961, by Wallace Lane, Virginia Maxey, and Mike Mikesell near Olancha, California, the Coso Artifact is a spark plug found embedded in a hard clay or rock formation. While searching for geodes, Mikesell damaged a diamond-edged blade while cutting through the rock, revealing the mysterious object. Virginia Maxey, one of the discoverers, speculated its age to be either 100 or 500,000 years, though no verifiable evidence or dating methods were provided. Theories about its origin range from ancient advanced civilizations like Atlantis to extraterrestrial visitors or even time travelers from the future.

The Kensington Runestone, a greywacke slab inscribed with runes, was discovered in 1898 near Kensington, Minnesota. Its discovery sparked debates over its authenticity, with some experts, like geologist Newton Horace Winchell, considering it a significant medieval artifact, while others, including runologists R.I. Page and James Knirk, argue it is a forgery. The runestone suggests that Scandinavian explorers ventured into North America during the 14th century. Archeologist Alice Beck Kehoe, in her 2005 work, referenced pre-Columbian contact between Native Americans and outsiders, supporting the possibility of such an expedition. The inscriptions on the stone describe a group of explorers encountering tragedy, with one side mentioning 8 Geats and 22 Norwegians on a journey from Vinland, and the other detailing a ship left behind with 10 men.

Face: 8 Geats (South Swedes) and 22 Norwegians on acquisition venture from Vinland far to the west We had traps by 2 shelters one day’s travel to the north from this stone We were fishing one day. After we came home found 10 men red with blood and dead AVM (Ave Maria) Deliver from evils.

Lateral: I have 10 men at the inland sea/lake to look after our ship 14 days travel from this wealth/property Year of our Lord 1362

4. Saqqara Bird

The Saqqara Bird, a sycamore wood artifact shaped like a bird, was unearthed in 1891 from the Pa-di-Imen tomb in Saqqara, Egypt. Dating back to at least 200 BC, it now resides in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. With a wingspan of 7.2 inches and weighing 39.120 grams, the artifact features a beak, a single eye, and no feather holes, painted to resemble a falcon. Its design has sparked theories that ancient Egyptians might have understood aviation principles long before modern discoveries. Egyptologist Khalil Messiha suggested it could be a model of an ancient monoplane, challenging traditional interpretations of its purpose.

The Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient device believed to be a mechanical calculator or computer, was discovered in a shipwreck near the Greek island of Antikythera. Dating to 150-100 BC, it was used to predict astronomical positions. Remarkably advanced for its time, it stands alone in history with no known predecessors or successors of similar complexity until the 18th century. While its function is now understood, its exact purpose remains a mystery.

2. Dendera Light

The Dendera light consists of three stone reliefs found in the Hathor temple at the Dendera Temple complex in Egypt. Traditional Egyptologists interpret these images as depicting lotus flowers spawning a snake, tied to Egyptian mythology. However, some alternative theorists argue the central object resembles electric lamps, comparing them to modern devices. Engineers have even created functional models based on the reliefs, and authors like Peter Krassa and Reinhard Habeck have proposed theories about how such a device might have operated.

Discovered in 1936 near Baghdad, Iraq, the Baghdad Battery consists of terracotta jars containing a copper cylinder and an iron rod, sealed with asphalt. German archaeologist Wilhelm König speculated these artifacts might have been ancient galvanic cells, possibly used for electroplating gold onto silver. In a 2005 episode of MythBusters, replicas of the batteries were tested using lemon juice as an electrolyte, generating up to 4 volts when connected in series. This experiment reignited debates about the purpose and functionality of these ancient objects.

Notable omissions: Piri Reis Map, Ica Stones, Crystal Skulls (due to unverified authenticity)

Sources: Wikipedia

Technorati Tags: history, out of place