KU professor debunks crystal skull hype
As fans flock to theaters for the new Indiana Jones movie, some may be excited for the mystery of the crystal skull to be uncovered. But a KU archaeologist who studied the origins of the crystal skull says it's not as mysterious as people think. Enlarge video
John Hoopes, Kansas University associate professor of anthropology, is pictured Thursday with real pre-Colombian artifacts from Mexico and Central America in Spooner Hall. Hoopes believes that the crystal skulls, popularized by the latest "Indiana Jones" movie, were probably crafted in Europe in the late 1800s.
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Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull ***
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Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones is at it again. This time, he's after a powerful crystal skull.
His latest movie adventure, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," hit Lawrence theaters Thursday and has fans intrigued about the mysterious ancient artifact.
"I'm kind of curious about it (the skull)," said Brian Beneventi, 18, who planned to see the film.
In the movie, the crystal skull was stolen from a mythical lost city in the Amazon. Whoever returns the skull to the city temple will be given control over its power.
While the movie may seem far-fetched, there are beliefs that crystal skulls are the key to contact with extraterrestrials or a lost civilization.
But a Kansas University archaeologist said the crystal skull isn't as mysterious as many people think.
John Hoopes, associate professor of Mesoamerican anthropology, has studied the origins of the crystal skull. He said evidence shows crystal skulls were manufactured in Germany in the late 1800s where the crystal and technology were available, then sold in Mexico City where the interest in the spiritual meaning of the skulls was prevalent.
"The skull obviously is one of the most powerful icons; it reminds us of death and mortality," Hoopes said. "It's not surprising skulls would be compelling objects."
Hoopes said interest continued into the 19th century when people had a keen interest in contacting spirits through crystal balls or seances.
Hoopes won't be rushing to a theater this weekend, but he'll watch the movie sometime for fun.
"I think it's wonderful that an archaeologist is the center of this series of adventure movies because I think it brings more people to archaeology and gets them more interested in what archaeologists actually do," he said. "However, it's entertainment, it's Hollywood, and Indiana Jones has about as much to do with scientific archaeology as Star Wars does with NASA or the Hubble telescope."
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magnus (anonymous) says…
I am quite proud to say that I had the distinct pleasure to be one of Dr. Hoopes first Archaeology students when he arrived at KU in 1987, fresh from Harvard. Which is why I'm thrilled to see him receive some attention for his amazing work, even if it is in an article related to the new Indiana Jones movie. I know I gained a great deal of knowledge in the three or four classes I had with him, and through those experiences I developed a tremendous appreciation for the cultures of South & Central America. I also owe him a great deal of gratitude for being a very understanding instructor. So thank you Dr. Hoopes! And thanks for remaining at KU all these years!