A story that connects continents, beliefs and civilizations
According to one of the most persistent and enigmatic Mesoamerican legends, the ancient Maya spread thirteen crystal skulls throughout the world. These pieces were not ordinary ritual objects: they were relics passed down by the last inhabitants of the mythical Atlantis, just before their continent disappeared into the ocean. It is said that when the thirteen skulls are found and reunited in one place, the lost wisdom of the Atlanteans will be revealed to humanity.
Other versions of the legend hold that each skull represents one of the thirteen worlds inhabited by the human species throughout unknown historical cycles. Ours would be the thirteenth world. Hence the 12+1 symbol: a matrix of knowledge deliberately scattered to be rediscovered.
Today, at least eight of those skulls have surfaced. They are distributed among museums, private collections, and independent research. Each one has its own name and a unique record, according to researcher Ellie Crystal, recognized for documenting the most extensive archives on this subject.
SKULL OF DOOM
Also known as the Skull of Destiny, this piece is probably the most recognized worldwide. Sculpted from a single piece of extremely pure crystalline quartz, its jaw is articulated, its proportions accurately reproduce a female human skull, and it lacks visible tool marks. How it was carved is unknown. There is no evidence of technology, no trace of metal tools, and no definitive scientific explanation.
Its public history begins in 1919, when British explorer Frederick Albert Mitchell-Hedges traveled to Belize with his daughter Anna. At the Mayan archaeological site of Lubaantun, Anna found the skull on her birthday, January 1, 1924. More than 300 Mayan workers stopped excavating when it appeared: they knelt and kissed the ground. That moment was documented in the explorer's personal journals.
Decades later, in 1970, the skull was subjected to analysis in Hewlett-Packard's laboratories. The result: it's carved against the natural axis of the crystal, something that even today's precision equipment couldn't easily achieve. For some, this points to origins beyond Earth. For Mitchell-Hedges, it would have required 150 years of continuous labor, sandblasted for generations.
OTHER SKULLS THAT HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTED
British Skull
Displayed at the Museum of Mankind (British Museum, London). No movable jaw. Acquired by the New York jeweler Tiffany's in 1998. Its earlier origin remains unclear.
Sha-Na-Ra
Found in Mexico in 1995. Located through psychic methods, according to its owner, Nick Nocerino. It was part of the Parapsychological Research Institute.
Mayan Skull
Carved from quartz, found in Guatemala in 1912. Symbolically attributed to a Mayan monk. Also analyzed at Hewlett-Packard
Lazuli Skull
Sculpted from lapis lazuli. Discovered by Inca Indians in northern Peru in 1995. Associated by local tribes with less-than-beneficial spiritual presences.
Jesuit Skull
References date back to 1534. It was in the hands of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. It is credited with an unusual connection with wildlife, especially birds.
Shui Ting Er Skull
Carved from amazonite. Discovered 130 years ago by Chinese archaeologist Yeng Fo Huu in Mongolia. It represents a line of skulls linked to Central Asian cultures.
Ocean Skull
Made of quartz. It belonged to a farmer in the Brazilian Amazon. Donated to the Mineral Museum in 2004 by a local gem dealer.
ET Skull
Smoky quartz. Discovered in Guatemala in 1906. Its non-human shape, with a sharp jaw and elongated skull, has been associated with theories of extraterrestrial contact. In the private collection of Broma Van Dietan.
Skull Max
The largest ever discovered. From Guatemala, linked to healing practices. Also known as the Texas Crystal Skull. Currently in the hands of the Parks family in Houston.
Skull of Compassion
A recent addition. It was evaluated by the Mayan shaman and elder Hunbatz Men, who declared it to be of Atlantean origin. Its analysis was part of the Crystal Skull Conference.
Baby Luv Skull
Rose quartz. Discovered in 1700 by a monk at the Luov Monastery in Ukraine. Smaller in size, its symbolism is related to cycles of birth, rebirth, and transition.
