Nazca Mummies Metal Plaques
Among the artifacts associated with the "Nazca mummies" are reported metal plaques or implants embedded within the remains (not simply external ornaments). According to claims, one such implant was found in the palm of a small mummified being and comprised a lightweight alloy containing aluminium, tin, silver, copper, cadmium and osmium. Another implant is reported in the chest region of small (~60 cm) specimens. The proponents suggest these implants are technologically anomalous and inconsistent with known ancient metallurgy in the region.
Metallurgical Claims
The reported implants allegedly contain sophisticated alloy compositions including high-purity aluminum, osmium, cadmium, and other elements that proponents claim exceed pre-Columbian South American metallurgical capabilities. Aluminum production requires electrolytic processes not known to have existed in ancient Peru, while osmium is an extremely rare platinum-group metal with modern industrial applications. The combination of elements and their reported purity levels would represent metallurgical sophistication far beyond documented ancient Andean practices.
Archaeological Context
The Nazca mummies discovery centers on small (~60 cm) mummified remains discovered in Peru's Nazca region, notable for their three-fingered hands and elongated skulls. Some specimens reportedly contain multiple metal implants distributed over head and body regions, including clavicle and thorax areas. The context and provenance remain subject to ongoing investigation, with mainstream archaeology regarding these claims as requiring further documentation.
Scientific Analysis
In 2017, twelve experts including bio-anthropologists and mummy specialists issued a statement regarding the "extraterrestrial mummies" as potentially manipulated human remains, stating they were "undoubtedly human remains Pre-Columbians [...] manipulated and even mutilated to obtain an 'ad hoc' appearance for commercial exploitation." Further analysis arose when Mexican journalist Jaime Maussan presented specimens to Mexican Congress in 2023, with scientists providing various interpretations of the presentation and labeling some mummies as "recently manufactured dolls."
Technological Implications
If authentic, the reported metal implants would represent: advanced metallurgical knowledge including aluminum smelting and platinum-group metal processing; precision metalworking capabilities for small-scale implants; understanding of biocompatible materials and surgical implantation techniques; and alloy compositions suggesting either advanced ancient technology or modern contamination. The osmium content is particularly significant as this rare metal has specific modern applications in catalysis and electronics.
Current Status
The metallurgy asserted (especially high-purity aluminium alloys and osmium content) far exceeds what is known for pre-Columbian South America. While the implant claims are intriguing from a xenotech perspective, they remain speculative until subjected to open, peer-reviewed metallurgical and archaeological study. The lack of rigorous scientific validation and prevalence of skepticism among experts suggest these claims require independent verification through controlled scientific analysis.