Out-of-place artifact

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An out-of-place artifact (OOPArt) is a term coined by American zoologist and cryptozoologist Ivan T. Sanderson for an object of historical, archaeological or paleontological interest found in a very unusual or seemingly impossible context. ^[1][2]

The term "out-of-place artifact" is rarely used by mainstream historians or scientists; rather, its use is largely confined to cryptozoologists, proponents of ancient astronaut theories, and paranormal enthusiasts. The term is used to describe a wide variety of objects, from anomalies studied by mainstream science to pseudoarchaeology that is far outside the mainstream to objects that have been shown to be hoaxes or to have mundane explanations.

Critics argue that most purported OOPArts which are not hoaxes are the result of mistaken interpretation, wishful thinking, or a mistaken belief that a particular culture couldn't have created an artifact or technology due to a lack of knowledge or materials.

Supporters^[3] regard OOParts as evidence that mainstream science is overlooking huge areas of knowledge, either willfully or through ignorance.

OOPArts are often of interest to creationists and others who seek evidence that may refute the theory of evolution or support the notion of a global flood. They are also used to support religious descriptions of pre-history, ancient astronaut theories, or the notion of vanished civilizations that possessed knowledge or technology more advanced than our own. Many writers or researchers who question or challenge conventional views of human history have used purported OOPArts in attempts to bolster their arguments.^[3]

Alleged OOP Artifacts

Objects alleged to come from recognized cultures, recovered in unexpected places

• The Maine penny, found in Blue Hill, Maine. An 11th century Norse coin found in an American Indian shell midden. Over 20,000 objects were found over a 15-year period at the Goddard site in Blue Hill. The sole non-Native artifact was the coin.^[4]

See also

• Anachronism
• Baghdad Battery
• Charles Fort, researcher of anomalous phenomena
• Fortean Times

References

1. ^ [1]
2. ^ [2]
3. ^ ^{a b} See the works of Charles Fort, Graham Hancock, Erich von Daniken, Zacharia Sitchin; see also Michael Cremo and Richard L. Thompson's Forbidden Archeology (San Diego: Bkahativedanta Institute, 1993)
4. ^ Bye, Columbus - TIME magazine article

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: OOParts

• Bad Archaeology - critical perspective on Creationist and New Age claims related to Out-of-place artifacts
• Salon article: Archaeology from the dark side
• Out-of-place artefacts article from Cult and Fringe Archaeology website