Several skulls bearing a striking resemblance to aliens–at least, our imaginings of them–have been accidentally unearthed in Mexico, and researchers say they believe the bizarre look of the skulls came from deliberate deformation.

“Cranial deformation has been used by different societies in the world as a ritual practice, or for distinction of status within a group or to distinguish between social groups,” said researcher Cristina García Moreno. “The reason why these individuals at El Cementerio deformed their skulls is still unknown.”

Interestingly, 17 of the 25 burial sites contained the remains of children, aged between infancy and 16 years. It is believed that ancient people who lived in the area at the time–around 1,000 years ago–bound the heads of children with cloth and boards in order to achieve the elongated look, but the extreme cranial pressure took a toll on young ones. Only one of the skeletons was female.

Researchers are currently working to find more burial sites in the area in the hopes that they will discover more about the customs of those buried there.

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Images: Christina Garcia