Hair-like Substance Springs Forth from the Ground During Earthquake in Thailand

Quake hair attached to a shaman mask. Image: Dr Karl Shuker

On May 13, 1848, a strong earthquake struck Chantibun in eastern Siam (now Thailand). Strangely, human-like hairs emerged from the ground in various locations during the quake, including bazaars, roads, fields, and even solid areas.

The “Quake Hairs” or “The Devil’s Hair”

During a violent earthquake that shook Chantibun in eastern Siam on May 13, 1848, a mysterious phenomenon known as "quake hairs" occurred. These strange human-like hairs sprouted from the ground in various places, leaving experts and observers perplexed.

Scientific American covered this strange phenomenon:

"During the shock, there spontaneously came out of the ground a species of human hairs in almost every place - in the bazaars, in the roads, in the fields, and the most solid places. These hairs, which are pretty long, stand upright and adhere strongly to the ground. When they are burned, they twist like human hairs and have a burned smell...they all appeared in the twinkling of an eye during the earthquake"

Spiritual Reverence for Quake Hair

These earthquake-induced hairs, boasting an eerie brown hue, possess a unique significance in the realm of Senegalese shamanism. Revered as a mysterious material, shamans clandestinely employ these strands in secret rituals and weave them into magical concoctions believed to bestow good fortune upon those who partake.

According to local shamans, these remarkable hairs are procured from the depths of an alternate dimension accessed during states of heightened consciousness, where encounters with demons yield this ethereal substance. To harness the purported powers of quake hairs, shamans combine them with various elements, including the blood of chickens, resulting in a potent amalgamation.

This mystical blend is then meticulously wrapped in goatskin or hyena skin before being presented to the recipient. The recipient embarks on a journey of tasks, guided by the shaman through instructions conveyed by invisible spirit beings. These tasks are believed to be crucial in activating the desired effects of the concoction.

Possible Scientific Explanations for Quake Hair

Unraveling the origin of quake hairs has perplexed scholars and experts alike. Various theories have emerged, each attempting to shed light on the extraordinary nature of these hair-like strands.

Some have speculated that earthquake hair may be remnants of an interior bituminous substance, melted and forcefully expelled through the earth's pores, eventually solidifying into hair-like structures.

Another theory suggests that these fibers could potentially stem from the hemp-palm tree, as witnessed in a similar Chinese case.

Even after all this time, the true nature and origins of quake hairs remain unknown and mysterious. Experts from various fields, including scientists, historians, and spiritualists, are still trying to unravel the enigma of these strange strands.

Fun Science Demos demonstrates how earthquakes happen

What do you think causes quake hairs? Tell us your theory in the comments.

If you enjoyed this article you might be interested in other earthquake related phenomenon such as earthquake lights or the strange disappearance of Doveland, Wisconsin.

Sources:

The Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, Volumes 38-39, 1848

Devil’s Hair and Quake Hair, The Eclectarium of Doctor Shuker