Man Who Invented Aztec Crystal Skulls

Description:

"Eugène Boban began life in humble circumstances in Paris, traveled to the California Gold Rush, and later became a recognized authority on pre-Columbian cultures. He also invented an entire category of archaeological artifact: the Aztec crystal skull. By his own admission, he successfully "palmed off" a number of these crystal skulls on the curators of Europe's leading museums. How could that happen, and who was this man? Detailed are the travels, self-education, and archaeological explorations of Eugène Boban; this book also explores the circumstances that allowed him to sell fakes to museums that would remain undetected for over a century."--Provided by publisher.

subjects: French, foreign countries,  Forgery of antiquities,  Mexico, antiquities,  Archaeologists,  Biography,  Crystal skulls,  History,  French,  Antiquities,  Forgeries,  Swindlers and swindling,  Art dealers,  Archaeology,  Miscellanea,  Collectors and collecting