Controversies on various levels begin with a challenge to the traditional view of mumification's purpose, Marianne Guenot reports. Scholars behind this new theory challenge "the assumptions of Victorian upper-middle-class white, cis-gendered, bearded men." Thus says Campbell Price, one of the proponents of a theory the practice for kings and queens, seen as living gods, was done to turn their bodies into statues after death. The new idea seems at variance with other regal mummies, and also the extension of mummification to the lower classes. Similarly, Ancient Stone Tools Once Thought to be Made by Humans Were Actually Crafted by Monkeys, Say Archaeologists. Two Argentinian scholars' findings could pose "a major blow to experts seeking to disprove the long-held 'Clovis First' theory," Sarah Cascone explains. Cascone also notes that "support for a Pre-Clovis human presence received a setback last month" regarding the dating of fossilized New Mexican footprints. That setback is detailed in Vittoria Benzine's The Discovery of the Oldest Human Footprints in North America Thrilled Researchers. It Turns Out They May Not Be So Old. Benzine tells why the 22,800-21,130 B.P. range could be very far off. The Clovis First and mummies debates should be kept in mind when evaluating Jason Colavito's article that Graham Hancock Attacks Archaeology, Claims Conspiracy to "Marginalize" Him. Per Jason's general practice, included are the easily-accessible 45 minutes of a London Real Hancock interview allowing us to compare Jason's points about that dialogue. (WM)-- Delivered by Feed43 serviceTHE ANOMALIST