Crystal skulls have captured the fascination of people the world over, thanks to Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull which brought the topic to the forefront of media attention. The intriguing part about the crystal skulls is that they're not just a mythical symbol in the movie -- they actually exist in real life.
Real crystal skulls have been found and are presumed to be the created of ancient Mesoamericans (Aztecs, Mixtecs, Toltecs or Maya.)
"Large quartz crystal skulls have generated great interest and fascination since they began to surface in public and private collections during the second half of the 19th century," the British Museum says. "The British Museum views the skull in its collection as an enigmatic object of great interest but with no supernatural properties." Bummer!
After all the hype around the crystal skulls, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History decided to use the opportunity to lure in new patrons by putting their 30 lb, 10 inch high crystal skull on display.
What's Driving This Trend
- Crystal Skulls as Cultural Artifacts
- Exploring the historical significance and cultural context of crystal skulls presents an opportunity for museums and anthropologists to engage with visitors and uncover hidden truths.
- Crystal Healing and Alternative Wellness
- The popularity of crystal skulls creates a market for wellness practices such as crystal healing, providing opportunities for holistic therapists and retailers of gemstones.
- Crystal Skull Merchandise and Collectibles
- The fascination with crystal skulls presents a market for merchandise and collectibles, offering opportunities for retailers and manufacturers in the entertainment and pop culture industries.
Who This Affects Most
- Museums and Anthropology
- The study, display, and interpretation of crystal skulls as cultural artifacts can drive engagement, research, and educational programs within museums and anthropology organizations.
- Wellness and Alternative Medicine
- Crystal healing, based on the belief in the energy properties of crystals, can create opportunities for wellness practitioners, spas, and retailers in the alternative medicine industry.
- Entertainment and Pop Culture
- The popularity of crystal skulls in movies and media opens up a market for merchandise and collectibles, benefiting retailers and manufacturers in the entertainment and pop culture sectors.
