Book of Mormon Evidence Found In Ecuador? Part II

 

The Forgotten History: Father Crespi and the True Legacy of the Americas

My father’s office was a treasure trove of knowledge. The shelves were filled with books on Central and South America—works by the big names in North and Central American theories, but also obscure records and firsthand accounts that most researchers overlooked. Among his prized possessions were his carefully compiled books on the Spanish chroniclers. These were the men who gave us glimpses of a history that was otherwise lost—the unwritten story of the Americas from the end of the Book of Mormon to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.

For the Lamanites, record-keeping in written form was not their strength, and what little remained of Nephite history was annihilated in their final destruction. The Spanish brought with them the ability to record history in ways that modern readers could understand. But the irony is inescapable: the very conquerors who documented the marvels of the New World were also the ones who destroyed those marvels, burning records, melting down sacred artifacts, destroying and looting sacred sites and erasing entire cultures in their lust for conquest and wealth.

The 1500s had no photographs, no videos—only the written word and the art left behind. The Spanish chroniclers, often working under the shadow of destruction, became the last witnesses to a history that was vanishing before their eyes. Their accounts give us invaluable insights into what was once there—temples, treasures, and traditions—but always filtered through the lens of their own biases and agendas.

This is the lesson we must learn: the true history of the Americas has been stolen, repurposed, plundered, hidden, and distorted. And few examples illustrate this better than the story of the Father Crespi collection. Tragically, the Crespi story is not unique but is one of many accounts of powers conspiring to keep the true history of these lands hidden. Allegedly the artifacts in Father Crespi’s collection threatened established narratives—those of Ecuadorian history, South American history, and even the Catholic Church itself. These are formidable forces, united in their shared interest to suppress or control history that doesn’t align with their preferred version of events.

This suppression is not limited to South and Central America. In North America, allegedly similar forces have worked to hide inconvenient truths. There are persistent theories about institutions like the Smithsonian actively suppressing evidence that challenges mainstream narratives. Researchers like Graham Hancock and Brien Foerster—though not LDS—have spent their entire careers exposing the hidden histories of ancient civilizations, much of which aligns with the descriptions in the Book of Mormon.

Take, for example, the gold in the Father Crespi collection. A significant portion of the collection was composed of intricately worked gold artifacts. Critics dismiss these items as forgeries, claiming they were created by local natives to extract money from Father Crespi. The rebuttal to this theory often hinges on a single claim: that in the 1920s–1950s, gold was of little value to indigenous peoples. This argument is so absurd it collapses under even the slightest scrutiny.

Consider the time, effort, and expertise required to gather gold and process it. Some of the projects processed into sheets as thin as tinfoil, with edges so precise they resemble the work of a modern machine. Some of these sheets were 36 inches tall and over 50+ inches long—an astonishing feat of craftsmanship. And the artistry? I hold a BFA in Graphic Design, and while I’m no master artisan, I have studied great works and know enough to recognize the skill in these pieces. These weren’t crude imitations but the work of master artisans, people who had honed their craft over years, if not decades.

And here’s the kicker: many of these artifacts are adorned with artwork unmistakably almost direct copy’s of Assyrian designs. Let me repeat that—Assyrian designs. To believe the critics, you’d have to accept that Ecuadorian natives not only mastered the skills to process and shape gold into intricate sheets, plates, and statues, but also studied ancient Assyrian art styles—without the internet, mind you—and flawlessly replicated them. All of this, just to get a few coins from a kindly priest? The idea is laughable.

This brings me to the Spanish chroniclers. Among my father’s notes, I found this account from one of the first chroniclers to enter Cusco, Peru in the year 1533:

“The wonderfully carved granite walls of the temple were covered with more than 700 sheets of pure gold, weighing around 4.5 pounds each.”

The word “sheets” immediately caught my attention. Sheets of gold, weighing approximately 4.5 pounds each. Now compare that to a story from the 1975 Church-sponsored expedition to Ecuador. In a personal account, J. Golden Barton described the moment when a large piece of gold sheet metal, hammered and inscribed with intricate designs, was presented to inspect, touch and hold:

“They reappeared with a large piece of metal that had been molded and hammered into a long sheet. It appeared to be gold. The metal was inscribed with curious forms of artwork. I asked our good-natured leader to pose for a photo holding the plaque. Now Paul was not one to do a lot of clowning, but I treasure this picture.”

Later, when asked about its origins, Barton recounted that Father Crespi had inquired about the sheet’s source. The native who brought it replied that it had adorned the walls of a temple deep in Ecuador jungle—pulled from its place and brought to Crespi as a relic of a lost time.

Do you see the pattern? The Spanish chroniclers described sheets of gold in the temples of Cusco, sheets that disappeared with the arrival of the conquistadors. Centuries later, similar sheets of gold, appeared in Father Crespi’s collection. Are these coincidences, or are they fragments of a larger story—one that ties the ancient civilizations of the Americas to their Old World roots, just as the Book of Mormon describes?

The Father Crespi collection stands as both a witness and a warning. It tells us that there is more to the history of the Americas than we’ve been told, but it also reminds us how easily that history can be stolen, hidden, or destroyed. For those willing to dig deeper, the truth is there, waiting to be uncovered... If uncovered, will it ever see the light of day?

Book of Mormon Evidence Found in Ecuador?

 

The Mystery of the Father Crespi Collection: A Forgotten Connection to Ancient Jaredite History?

For many years, my understanding of Book of Mormon geography was shaped under the spiritual guidance of my father, Del DowDell. Through his 30 years of research, he theorized that the ancient Jaredites of the Book of Mormon lived primarily in the region we know today as Ecuador. With this background, imagine my surprise and intrigue when I stumbled upon documentation of a little-known, 1975 BYU- sponsored expedition to Ecuador. This expedition, undertaken with the backing of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, aimed to investigate rumors of ancient metal plates—possibly made of gold, silver, and copper—as well as artifacts that included chariots hidden within subterranean caves in Ecuador.

The story of this expedition unfolds with twists of fate, fascinating discoveries, and a touch of divine intervention. Initially, the trip seemed destined for disappointment when the opportunity to explore the alleged cave systems fell through. However, Paul R. Chessman, then head of Book of Mormon Studies at BYU, made a pivotal decision. Instead of abandoning the trip, he redirected the team to visit a contact he had made years prior—a Catholic priest named Father Carlos Crespi.

Meeting Father Crespi: A Scholar and Protector of Ancient History

Father Crespi, then in his 80s, greeted the group warmly, displaying a sharp intellect and an unassuming humility. This was no ordinary parish priest; Crespi held doctorates in anthropology, engineering, and music and had spent more than five decades serving the indigenous people of Ecuador. What the expedition team encountered next defied logic and belief—a trove of ancient artifacts that historians and archeologists could only dream of.

Father Crespi’s collection, lovingly preserved over decades, was a sight to behold. The expedition team saw, touched, and photographed thousands of items that proved a lost civilization with advanced knowledge, language and global connections. Among the treasures were gold, bronze, and silver plates engraved with hieroglyphs and pictographs. The engravings included known and unknown languages and featured motifs that resembled ancient Egyptian, Libyan, Assyrian and Persian art styles.

Picture from the Crespi Collection, 1975

One particularly astonishing piece, dubbed the “Massanessa Plaque,” announced the death of a Libyan-Egyptian king in 148 BC. This artifact, analyzed by Dr. Barry Fell of Harvard University, further lent credibility to the hypothesis that the Americas were linked to Old World civilizations. Other plates depicted elephants, jaguars, snakes, chariots, and horses—details eerily consistent with descriptions in the Book of Mormon. The collection also included stone tablets etched with mysterious scripts, vibrant gold masks, and intricate ceramics. One interesting item was a large Elephant Tusk with intricate carvings over the whole tusk. Tools, swords, weapons, and ornaments—untarnished by time—lined the shelves. Hide scrapers, spears, axes, and idols carved with distorted features completed the array, stacking the room from floor to ceiling with treasures of the past.

A Second Visit and a Disappearing Treasure

The team’s initial visit was extraordinary, but it would not be their last attempted encounter with Father Crespi’s collection. Later that year, in December 1975, the group attempted a second visit. However, upon their arrival in Cuenca, they were informed that Father Crespi had passed away. This turned out to be “Fake News” — Father Crespi was gravely ill but would recover and live for three more years. What they discovered during this second trip was even more disheartening: the situation surrounding the collection had changed drastically.

The Ecuadorian government had “reportedly” intercepted a shipment of artifacts en route to Rome, escalating tensions around the collection. Specialists were brought in to evaluate the items, categorizing many as forgeries or of little value. From approximately 8,000 ceramic pieces, hundreds were transferred to the National Bank Museum for cataloging and display. Yet, the metallic artifacts—the gold, bronze, and silver plates—were deemed “worthless” and allegedly melted down or used as construction material for local infrastructure. Stones with engravings, including depictions of step pyramids and chariots, were reportedly repurposed as fill for a road bridge.

Speculations of a coverup have since swirled. Some theorize that agents of the Vatican, alongside Ecuadorian government officials, sought to suppress the collection’s implications. As a Catholic priest, Father Crespi’s connection to the Vatican may have played a role in the artifacts being on the Vatican’s radar. Could it be that the revelations these artifacts hinted at—a narrative of ancient civilization in the Americas—were too controversial or damaging to their doctorine?

My Father’s Philosophy and the Forgotten Expedition

When I first shared the documentation of this trip with my father, his reaction was characteristically measured. Del DowDell, ever the scholar, examined the material with interest but ultimately decided against incorporating it into his work. His focus was clear: the Book of Mormon and its text were his foundation, followed by documented modern prophecy. For him, the Crespi Collection, while fascinating, remained low on his priority of low level evidence.

This response taught me a great deal about my father’s research philosophy. He prioritized scripture and the verified words of modern prophets over anecdotal accounts and undocumented claims. Yet, for me, the Crespi story was too compelling to ignore. After my fathers passing, I found myself drawn to this forgotten chapter of Church and South American history, delving into researching the trip. After a year, I discovered a small amount of original photos and notes from the expedition. Holding Dr. Chessman’s original handwritten notes and viewing the original photographs from that trip was an unforgettable experience. Even through all my research, I would only find about 5% of the original photographs from the expedition… where are the other 95% of the collection, I hope to find out some day.

A Conspiracy of Silence?

Why have so few people heard of the Crespi Collection or the Church-sponsored expedition that documented it? The answer might lie in a troubling pattern. History is rife with attempts to erase or suppress records of ancient peoples. From the Lamanites’ efforts to destroy evidence of the Nephites to the Spanish conquistadors’ systematic plundering of native artifacts, much of the past has been lost to conquest and greed. If remnants of a hidden history were to surface today, would those who control such discoveries allow them to see the light of day?

It’s tempting to dismiss such questions as “conspiracy theories,” but the disappearance of the Crespi Collection begs for answers. The photographs and firsthand accounts from the 1975 expedition remain some of the last known documentation of this extraordinary cache of artifacts. What happened to the gold plates, the engraved stones, and the depictions of chariots? Why were these items melted down or hidden away?

The Crespi Collection stands as a tantalizing mystery, a glimpse into a lost world that aligns remarkably with the Book of Mormon’s narrative. It challenges us to reconsider what we think we know about the ancient Americas and the lengths to which some might go to keep the past buried.

Picture from the Crespi Collection, 1975

Picture from the Crespi Collection, 1975

Picture of Father Crespi with member of BYU expedition, 1975

                                                 (Notice the ancient language on the artifact)

 

A Review of the Ward Radio: Meso-American vs. Heartland Theory Debate 12/3/2024

Last night, I had the privilege of attending a debate hosted by Ward Radio, a show I admire for its focus on thoughtful discussion. The topic was the geographical setting of the Book of Mormon—a debate between the Meso-American theory and the Heartland theory. While the event was engaging and demonstrated the passion many have for understanding the Book of Mormon, it also revealed significant flaws in the arguments presented.

The Absence of the South American Model

Before diving into the details of the debate, I must address the glaring omission: the most accurate and scripturally consistent theory—the South American model—was not represented. When I contacted the event organizers to ask why this was the case, I likened it to debating who the greatest pop star is between Madonna and Britney Spears while leaving Taylor Swift out of the conversation. Unfortunately, the South American model remains the most unlike, most unknown, unsung theory, absent from discussions where it could provide clarity. The WardRadio crew was very kind and respectful.

The Opening Statements: A Disturbing Premise

Rod Meldrum, representing the Heartland theory, opened his argument by dismissing the value of the 550 geographical references given in the Book of Mormon, claiming they were a source of confusion. In doing so, he undermined his own credibility, and Theory. How can one claim to understand the geography of the Book of Mormon while choosing to ignore the very framework the prophets painstakingly provided, many paying with their lives?

This premise—setting aside the prophets’ and the Book of Mormon words—was deeply troubling. It brought to mind something my father, Del DowDell, often taught: “The Book of Mormon is an abridged record, with every word carefully chosen. Nothing is included that is not of the utmost importance. If you want to understand the Book of Mormon, you first go to the words of the prophets who experienced it firsthand.” As a teenager, I thought this was self-evident. Why would anyone disagree? Yet, to my dismay, a majority of the audience appeared to accept Rod’s premise without question. Approximately 60% raised their hands in support of the Heartland theory.

To witness an LDS audience agree to ignore the Book of Mormon’s details in favor of hand picked comments—among the most concerning moments I’ve experienced in a Church-related setting. When we discard the keystone of our religion, the entire structure is at risk of collapse. If someone with enough charisma can convince us to disregard the Book of Mormon prophets’ words, replacing them with personal theories, the foundation of truth begins to erode. By doing so, Rod in in my opinion is saying he knows more, or he is the authority, not the Book of Mormon prophets.

The Debate: A Missed Opportunity

Luke Hansen, a key figure on the Ward Radio team and a proponent of the Meso-American theory, was a more credible debater in his reliance on scripture. However, in his first rebuttal, he agreed with Rod’s decision to disregard the 550 geographical Book of Mormon references. This was a strategic misstep. By conceding this point, Luke gave up his greatest advantage—grounding his argument in the words of the Book of Mormon. From that moment on, it felt as though he was debating with one hand tied behind his back.

To his credit, Luke handled the discussion with poise and conviction. One of the most memorable moments came when Luke pressed Rod on whether he believed he knew more than the Prophet Russell M. Nelson. Rod’s discomfort was palpable as he tried to dodge the question, but his eventual admission revealed his true stance: that he believed the prophet was either not fully informed or not forthcoming about what Rod considered the “truth.” This revelation was both troubling and telling. It demonstrated the dangers of elevating personal interpretation above Book of Mormon & prophetic authority.

Rod’s Strategy: Rambling Over Rebuttal

Rod’s approach was to flood the discussion with a rapid succession of claims, leaving little room for rebuttal. That mixed with not asking Luke questions, allowed him to present his theory unchecked, as it would have been impossible for Luke to address every point within the allotted time. Unfortunately, this left the audience hearing a lot of information with very little rebuttal. When Luke was able to rebuttal, he did a great job with his questions and challenges to Rod. 

A Reflection on the Debate’s True Purpose

Despite its flaws, the debate highlighted the sincere interest many have in understanding the Book of Mormon. However, I couldn’t help but wish the discussion had been centered on the words of the prophets who lived the events recorded in the Book of Mormon. Their testimonies and descriptions are the foundation of truth, and any theory that strays from their words risks leading us away from the light.

My father often emphasized that understanding the Book of Mormon requires humility and a willingness to understand the text. We must remember that this sacred record was prepared and preserved by the Lord for our day, and its every detail was included for a reason. The prophets’ words, inspired and deliberate, are the ultimate guide—not modern speculation, however charismatic its proponents may be.

In the end, I appreciated Luke’s defense of the prophet and his efforts to stay rooted in truth, even under challenging circumstances. Rod, on the other hand, exemplified the pitfalls of placing personal interpretation above scripture and prophetic guidance. As Latter-day Saints, we should strive to ensure that our faith and understanding are built on the solid foundation of revealed truth, not the shifting sands of speculation or culture.

May we always remember the counsel of the prophets, both ancient and modern, and let their words illuminate our understanding of the Book of Mormon and its sacred geography.

#wardradio #lukehansen #cardon #heartland #meso-america #bookofmormon #geography

@wardradio

Has the Book of Mormon's Zarahemla Been Found?

 

Pachacamac: The Ancient City That Matches Zarahemla

When we think of the ancient city of Zarahemla described in the Book of Mormon, we imagine a great civilization, rich in culture, tradition, and religious significance. The Book of Mormon portrays Zarahemla as a central hub for the Nephites, a place where politics, religion, and commerce thrived (Alma 5:2-5, Mosiah 7:21). As we explore the ancient city of Pachacamac in Peru, it becomes increasingly evident that this site mirrors the description of Zarahemla in striking ways, aligning both with the scripture and with early accounts of the Spaniards who first laid eyes on this sacred city.

Zarahemla and Pachacamac: A Striking Parallel

The Book of Mormon describes Zarahemla as a city by a major river, where both spiritual and secular matters were deeply intertwined (Mosiah 2:4, Alma 6:7). Pachacamac, located near the Lurín River in Peru, was similarly a vital spiritual and cultural center. It was revered by local peoples as the abode of the god Pachacamac, a deity associated with creation and the afterlife. The Lurín River’s proximity to the city provided not only sustenance but also a natural defense, echoing the defensive positioning often mentioned in relation to Zarahemla (Alma 60:1-4).

Early Spanish chroniclers provide critical insights into the spiritual significance of Pachacamac. Hernando Pizarro, in his letters to the King of Spain, described Pachacamac as a major religious center, adorned with gold and silver idols, and revered by the Andean people. This aligns with the description of Zarahemla in the Book of Mormon, where the city was a religious focal point for the Nephites and later for the Lamanites (Mosiah 24:5).

An Ancient Reputation

Pedro Cieza de León, one of the most prominent chroniclers of the early Spanish conquest, offers valuable information about Pachacamac that aligns with descriptions of Zarahemla. Cieza de León wrote that Pachacamac had a reputation for being ancient, even to the Inca, who later added their own structures to the complex. His account provides a historical perspective on how the site was viewed both by the indigenous people and the Spanish. This idea of an "ancient" city also resonates with the Book of Mormon narrative, where Zarahemla was built upon the remnants of an earlier civilization (Omni 1:14, Mosiah 9:1).

Miguel de Estete also documented his encounters at Pachacamac, describing the architectural complexity and the presence of treasures within the temple before the Spanish looted it. Such accounts highlight the site's significance and reinforce the idea that Pachacamac was a thriving cultural and religious hub—a detail strikingly similar to Zarahemla's portrayal in the Book of Mormon as a central city of Nephite society (Mosiah 7:21-22).

Pilgrimage and Prophecy

In the Book of Mormon, Zarahemla is a city where significant religious gatherings and teachings occurred, often drawing crowds to hear prophets and leaders (Mosiah 2:1). Similarly, Pachacamac was known as a place of pilgrimage where indigenous people traveled to consult the oracle and pay homage to their gods. Pedro Cieza de León detailed how people from all over the Andean region would make pilgrimages to Pachacamac to consult its famous oracle. This tradition of pilgrimage to a sacred city parallels how the people of Zarahemla would gather at the temple to hear King Benjamin's address (Mosiah 2:7-9).

Garcilaso de la Vega, another important chronicler, wrote about the reverence the native peoples had for Pachacamac, even under Inca rule. The Inca respected its long-standing spiritual importance, much like the respect given to the temple at Zarahemla in the Book of Mormon. This connection further solidifies the link between these two ancient cities.

The Sacred Temple and Its Looting

Pachacamac housed an impressive temple complex, described in great detail by the chroniclers. Hernando Pizarro’s account of entering the temple of Pachacamac and finding idols made of gold and silver reflects the richness and splendor also described in Book of Mormon temples, such as those built by King Noah (Mosiah 11:8-10). However, just as the Nephites faced destruction and looting by the Lamanites, the Spaniards looted the temple of Pachacamac, taking its treasures and desecrating its sacred space.

Miguel de Estete's descriptions of the Spaniards' looting align with the fate of Nephite cities like Zarahemla, which were captured and plundered multiple times (Alma 62:6). The parallel here between Pachacamac’s fate and that of Zarahemla is striking, showcasing the inevitable cycle of conquest and loss faced by ancient civilizations.

Conclusion: Echoes of Ancient Truths

When analyzing these striking similarities, one cannot help but see the potential overlap between Pachacamac and Zarahemla as described in the Book of Mormon. The evidence provided by early Spanish chroniclers such as Pedro Cieza de León, Miguel de Estete, and Garcilaso de la Vega offers valuable historical validation that echoes the Book of Mormon's narrative of a complex, ancient city deeply intertwined with spiritual practices and pilgrimage.

Furthermore, as Cieza de León noted, Pachacamac was ancient even to the Inca, who only added to the already-standing structures. This observation provides a powerful parallel to the narrative of Zarahemla, suggesting that both cities were centers of spiritual significance and pilgrimage, with an enduring legacy that even conquerors could not erase. Such similarities compel us to reconsider the historical and spiritual landscapes of the Americas in light of both scriptural and early historical records.

We have writen on Pachacamac and it's relationship in our book "Nephi Never Saw MesoAmerica". This article and youtube video is based on the January 2010 article from this blog, follow link here.

~ NephiCode Staff

Book of Mormon and Mitocondrial DNA (mtDNA) agree on this FACT

 

This is from the article published at www.nephicode.blogspot.com here is the link to the article: link

The 2008 study on the six founding Native American mothers challenges everything we thought we knew about Native American origins. Scientists traced mitochondrial DNA (passed down through the maternal line) and found that all Native American mtDNA traces back to six unique founding mothers, whose DNA signatures are not found in Asia. This groundbreaking discovery suggests that these mothers lived in the Americas, not Asia, aligning with the Book of Mormon's narrative that Native American populations did not originate from the Asian continent. Could this scientific evidence be vindicating ancient scripture? One FACT to take away, Book of Mormon and mtDNA both agree that Native's in the America's did not come from Asia. Link to the study: link #DNARevolution #FoundingMothers #NativeAmericanHistory #BookofMormonTruth #GeneticEvidence #ScienceAndFaith #AncientAmericas

~NephiCode staff

This video is based on the study led by Kari Britt Schroeder in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution. 

The year was 1998 and my family had just moved to a new ward. We made our way to meet our new bishop. As we entered his office, the atmosphere was palpable – thick with the weight of a difficult conversation that had just ended. The family that had left moments before was the Smiths. They had just dropped a bombshell on the bishop, announcing their decision to leave the church. The reason? New DNA evidence that, in their minds, disproved the Book of Mormon's claims about Native American ancestry.

This was my first brush with the collision of faith and DNA science, and it sparked a lifelong fascination. My father, Del DowDell, remained undeterred. He had an unwavering conviction that time would vindicate Joseph Smith's writings and the Book of Mormon always. As Gordon B. Hinckley later said, "The story of the DNA is not yet finished." Indeed, the story continues to unfold, and I've followed the developments with keen interest ever since.

The story of the Americas' first inhabitants is far from over. After poring over stacks of peer-reviewed DNA studies, I'm ready to drop a bombshell: the prevailing wisdom is wrong. Scientists have meticulously analyzed indigenous DNA from the icy tundras of Canada and Alaska, down through the United States, Central America, and all the way to Argentina. The results from both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA paint the same startling picture: America's natives didn't hail from Asia.

This revelation throws open the door to a fascinating modern mystery: where did the Americas' first peoples really come from? It's a question that has scholars at top universities scratching their heads, so much so they still say they came from Asia. Of course, this breakthrough vindicates the Book of Mormon's claims – though mainstream academics will never admit it.

Curious? Dive into these two groundbreaking studies for yourself:

1. The 2008 mtDNA study that revealed the existence of six founding Native American mothers
2. The eye-opening research from an international team of scientists led by Kari Britt Schroeder in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution (link) https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/family-tree-dna-study-confirms-native-americans-descended-single-ancestral-group

~NephiCode staff

Modern mtDNA Supports the Book of Mormon

 

The Misguided Path of Modern Science: DNA Evidence Supports the Book of Mormon

In recent years, scientific studies have been lauded for their advancements in understanding human origins, yet often these studies are presented with a subtle sleight of hand that perpetuates entrenched but flawed narratives. The 2008 mtDNA study on the six founding Native American mothers is a prime example. While the facts presented in the study clearly indicate that Native Americans did not originate from Asia, the researchers, almost reflexively, steer the reader toward the Beringia hypothesis—an unsupported conjecture rather than a conclusion rooted in solid evidence.

The study, which analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) found in the cells' powerhouses passed down exclusively through the maternal line, identified five primary haplogroups (A, B, C, D, and X) unique to Native Americans. Crucially, these haplogroups do not have corresponding matches in Asia or Europe. Despite this, the researchers hypothesize that these founding mothers lived on a land bridge called Beringia—a hypothesis built on the assumption that such a land bridge existed and was inhabited by these populations. However, this assumption is entirely speculative, lacking concrete evidence of human habitation on this supposed land bridge.

This is not an isolated case. Another study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution by an international team of scientists, led by Kari Britt Schroeder, concluded that Native American populations are more closely related to each other than to any Asian populations, except those living on the edge of the Bering Strait. Again, the evidence showed no direct Asian ancestry for Native Americans, yet the researchers clung to the Beringia hypothesis, suggesting a "single ancestral population" despite the absence of the 9-repeat allele in Asia.

These findings, taken at face value, are groundbreaking and should have prompted a reevaluation of long-held beliefs about Native American origins. Instead, the scientific community has doubled down on the Beringia theory, likely because admitting otherwise would undermine decades of research and challenge the prevailing paradigm. But the facts remain: the mtDNA and 9-repeat allele studies both point to a population that did not come from Asia.

This evidence aligns perfectly with the narrative presented in the Book of Mormon, which has stated since 1830 that the Native American population did not originate from Asia. According to the Book of Mormon, the progenitors of the Native Americans were the descendants of Lehi, who journeyed from Jerusalem to the Western Hemisphere. Decedent's of Lehi's colony could very well be the source of the unique mtDNA found in Native American populations today—mtDNA that science has proven did not connect to Asia.

The story of Lehi and his family is central to understanding the origins of the Native American people. After settling in the promised land, Lehi's descendants eventually split into two groups: the Nephites and the Lamanites. Over time, the Lamanites, marked by a change in their appearance as described in the Book of Mormon, came to dominate the land, eventually wiping out the Nephites. The DNA evidence that scientists have uncovered could very well be the genetic remnants of Lehi's lineage, the Lamanites, who became the only population in the America's according to the record of the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon has long provided an account that modern science is only now beginning to validate, albeit reluctantly. The failure of scientists to connect Native American populations to Asia directly, despite their best efforts, only serves to underscore the accuracy of the Book of Mormon’s narrative. As more evidence comes to light, it becomes increasingly clear that the origins of the Native American people are far more complex and intriguing than the oversimplified theories that have been presented for decades, and sadly still taught.

It's time to reconsider the evidence without the blinders of preconceived notions. The science, when stripped of its speculative hypotheses, supports what the Book of Mormon has said all along: the Native American population did not come from Asia. Instead of clinging to the Beringia hypothesis, it's time for the scientific community to acknowledge the possibility that the origins of the Native Americans might be exactly where the Book of Mormon said they would be—right here in the Americas, with roots tracing back to a sacred record that has stood the test of time.

~NephiCode Staff

Evidence DNA Agrees with the Book of Mormon

 

Evidence DNA Agrees with the Book of Mormon: A Prophetic Parallel

The recent genetic study, published in Molecular Biology and Evolution, has reignited the discussion around the origins of Native Americans, showing a unique genetic marker—the 9-repeat allele—present across populations from Alaska to the southern tip of Chile. This allele was notably absent in all populations tested on the east side of the Bering Strait, in Asia. This discovery has profound implications when viewed through the lens of the Book of Mormon, particularly the history of the Lamanites.

The Book of Mormon describes the Lamanites as descendants of Laman, a son of Lehi, who rebelled against his father and brother Nephi. As a result of their disobedience, the Lamanites were cursed and altered, as recorded in 2 Nephi 5:21:

The genetic study's findings, which show a unique allele in Native American populations but absent in Asian groups, could be seen as a modern parallel to this Book of Mormon narrative. The 9-repeat allele might be a modern reflection of this ancient distinction.

The unique marker is impossible to prove it's connection to God's hand with the laminites, but Oddly, modern science finally agrees on one major point long declared by the Book of Mormon: the ancestors of Native Americans do not come from Asian ancestry. This is a significant shift, aligning scientific conclusions with what the Book of Mormon has been stating for nearly two centuries. The absence of the 9-repeat allele in Asian populations suggests a unique and separate lineage, one that the Book of Mormon has described as divinely guided from the Old World to the New.

In fact this peer reviewed study along with the peer reviewed 2008 Mitochondria DNA study of the "6 Founding Native American Mothers" both prove as a fact that the Native American population did not come from Asia. It's a complete mystery to modern science as to where they came from. This does not stop modern science from unsupported hypothesis on where this mystery Mitochondria DNA or 9-repeat allele come from. If you read both studies, it's clear in the end modern science doesn't known. The Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith knew the facts back in 1830, but both will get no credit today. In fact, even though the Asia theory for the Native American heritage has been debunked completely by modern science, all major university's still teach native inhabitants of the Americas came from Asia at this time.

While the study suggests that Native Americans descend from a single ancestral population, isolated from the rest of Asia, the Book of Mormon provides additional context. It describes how the Lamanites eventually became the only population in the Americas after they wiped out the Nephites. The unique genetic marker found in this study could be interpreted as a scientific echo of this ancient narrative, supporting the idea of a distinct and divinely guided migration to the New World.

Further, the absence of the 9-repeat allele in other Asian populations aligns with the Book of Mormon’s description of the Lamanites being a distinct group, set apart by God. This could suggest that the genetic lineage of Native Americans, particularly those with the 9-repeat allele, has been divinely preserved and marked in a way that reflects their ancient heritage.

Moreover, this unique allele distinguishes Native Americans from other populations, hinting at a deeper, divinely orchestrated history that the Book of Mormon has long testified of. This connection between ancient scripture and modern science not only reinforces the narrative found in the Book of Mormon but also provides a fascinating point of reflection for believers and scholars alike.

Thus, the convergence of DNA genetic evidence with the spiritual narratives in the Book of Mormon provides a powerful testament to the truth of these ancient records, suggesting that modern science is beginning to uncover what the Book of Mormon has long declared: that the ancestors of Native Americans were a distinct and divinely guided people, with a unique heritage that is now being revealed through the lens of DNA genetics.

Study link: https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/family-tree-dna-study-confirms-native-americans-descended-single-ancestral-group

~NephiCode Staff

16th Century Friar's Connection to the Book of Mormon

 

This one minute video is made from the full article: Jews settled the Western Hemisphere. Published here on this blog, Saturday, January 23, 2010.. Read that article here.

I am working to take all my Dad's articles and make video's out of them to share with the world. This one minute video is not going to answer all questions. I know that is obvious, but people still will write back and ask about elephants or iron, etc. All questions are answered in detail at www.nephicode.blogspot.com.

overview:

Lehi's Journey: Around 600 B.C., the Book of Mormon tells us Lee-hi and his family left Jerusalem for the Americas, founding a civilization here.

 Ancient Evidence: Historical records, like those of Fray Diego Durán, a Dominican friar who wrote "Book of the Gods and Rites" (1574-1576) and "Ancient Calendar" (c. 1579), suggest the Aztecs' origins might trace back to the ancient Near East.

Durán's Insights: Durán noted that the Aztecs' traditions and calendars have remarkable similarities to those of ancient Israel, echoing the journey and beliefs of Lee-hi’s descendants described in the Book of Mormon.

Artifacts and Legends: Many artifacts and legends across the Americas point to a sophisticated, Jewish-influenced culture, aligning with Lehi’s story.

Connecting the Dots: The similarities in religious rites, symbols, and languages between Mesoamerican cultures and ancient Israel support this connection.

The Bigger Picture: Both the Book of Mormon and historical texts like those of Durán help us piece together the incredible journey of these ancient Jewish settlers.

Explore the past: Dive deeper into this fascinating history and discover the ancient roots that connect the Old World with the New

~NephiCode staff

Frederick G. Williams 30 Degrees South Latitude

 

Frederick G. Williams was a significant figure in the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Serving as both the personal scribe to Joseph Smith and as the Second Counselor in the First Presidency, Williams played a crucial role in the church's development. Born in 1787, he had a background as a ship's pilot on the Great Lakes during the War of 1812, which endowed him with substantial knowledge of navigation and geography. He was instrumental in the construction of the Kirtland Temple and was known for his dedication and service. Williams also claimed to have received a revelation from an angel stating that Lehi's family, from the Book of Mormon, landed in Chile at 30º South Latitude. Despite controversies surrounding this revelation, it remains a notable part of LDS history.

This is a 1 minute video about the veracity of Frederick G. Williams personal revelation about where Lehi landed. A one minute video cannot answer all the questions around Book of Mormon geography. This blog has over 10,000 articles going into great detail on the facts from the Book of Mormon. Read the article this video is based on here: Article here. This article was published August 24th, 2012, and is a great example of the amazing information you will find here on this blog.

Video on Youtube: https://youtube.com/shorts/WQmkzmCVNaU

www.nephicode.com

~NephiCode staff

 

George Q. Cannon Thought Lehi Landed in Chile???

Youtube / Instagram / TikTok Video Link: Video Here

Original NephiCode Article by Del DowDell Link: Original Article

George Q. Cannon was a prominent leader in the LDS Church, known for his unwavering faith, dedication, and contributions to the Church’s growth and development. Born in Liverpool, England, in 1827, Cannon emigrated to the United States with his family and became a key figure in the Church’s leadership.

Key Contributions:

• Publishing and Media: Cannon was instrumental in the Church’s publishing efforts. He founded the "Deseret News," the official newspaper of the Church, and was a driving force behind the publication of numerous Church-related books and periodicals.
• Political Influence: He served as a delegate to the U.S. Congress, representing the Utah Territory. His political efforts were crucial in advocating for the rights and interests of the LDS community during a time of significant persecution and legal challenges.
• Missionary Work: Cannon was a dedicated missionary, serving missions in Hawaii and other regions. His translation of the Book of Mormon into Hawaiian was a monumental achievement that helped spread the Church’s message to a broader audience.
• Church Leadership: As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and later as a counselor in the First Presidency, Cannon’s leadership helped guide the Church through periods of both growth and adversity.

#bookofmormon, #bookofmormongeography, #georgecannon, #jospehsmith, #southamerica, #heartland, #greatlakes, #centralamerica

~NephiCode staff

Podcast about Del DowDell's work

 Going through my fathers emails after his death. I came across a request for my father to do a interview for the podcast Mormon Theories by Ryan Hinckley. A long time follower of my Dad's work, Owen Ira Terry had suggested Ryan do an interview with my father. I let Ryan know my father had just past away. I also let him know I am not an expert like my father was on the subject. I did tell Ryan I could talk on my fathers work and give it some color from the conversations we have had over the years. Ryan took me up on the offer and below is a link to the podcast. It was fun talking to Ryan and I hope I did my father justice. I made a few mistakes, it's a challenge to be 100% accurate with a interview with no notes or reference material. Overall, I do think the majority of what I said was accurate to the work my father has produced over the last 30 years. Please listen and support the podcast below and let us know what you thought.

https://anchor.fm/ryan-hinckley1/episodes/011-Devon-DowDell-The-South-American-Model-for-Book-of-Mormon-Geography-e1e9hn3

 My Dad (Del DowDell) had worked to give me access to all his work before his death. I will be maintaining his blog, website and books. Working with my mother after the funeral we will be working on articles to keep his work alive. Any books ordered will be shipped now and into the future. We have access to all the comments here and his contacts. We would like to make any comment on his life, work, and death you would like to share on his memory wall at the funeral. Please send any comments and let me know if your ok with us sharing them with family and friends.

nephicode@gmail.com

You can reach me at the below:

Devon DowDell

email:devondowdell1@gmail.com

Del DowDell January 28, 1936 - January 12, 2022

It's with a heavy heart that I share the news that my father, Del DowDell, passed away around 4:00 PM on January 12, 2022. My dad had many loves in his life—his unwavering dedication to his work on the Book of Mormon, this blog, and its readers was one of them. But above all, he loved his family and my mother. The comments and support from readers over the years meant so much to him, and he cherished the connections he made through his writing.

After a year and a half of declining health, my father suffered a stroke on Sunday. His mind, always sharp and full of wisdom, remained strong, but his body could no longer keep up. On Tuesday, with my mom’s help, he made the effort to call each of his seven children to tell us he loved us. After those calls, he turned to my mother and told her he loved her dearly. When I spoke to him that day, I asked, “Dad, are you writing a blog today?” He paused and said, “I don’t think I’ll be writing any more blogs.” In that moment, I knew his time with us was coming to an end.

Later that day, my two brothers and I traveled to St. George to give him a blessing and release him from this life. Just two hours after the blessing, Dad took his last breath and embarked on his journey to join his heroes on the other side.

In his youth, my dad was an incredibly talented baseball player, and he loved the game. Baseball was more than just a sport to him—it was a way to teach us about life. He had a knack for weaving life lessons into baseball analogies, and I’ll always treasure those memories. I vividly remember, as a kid in the late '80s, hearing him tell one of his favorite baseball jokes. It went like this:

---

Two old men, lifelong best friends, had both made it to their early 80s when one of them fell gravely ill. The other friend came to visit him on his deathbed, and as they reminisced about their years of friendship, the friend made a heartfelt request.

“Listen, when you die, do me a favor,” he said. “I want to know if there’s baseball in heaven.”

The dying man smiled weakly and replied, “We’ve been friends for a lifetime, so yes, I’ll do this for you.” And then he passed away.

A few days later, the surviving friend was asleep when he suddenly heard his friend’s voice.

“I’ve got some good news and some bad news,” the voice said.

“What’s the good news?” the friend asked.

“There’s baseball in heaven,” the voice replied.

“And the bad news?”

“You’re pitching on Wednesday.”

---

This Wednesday, Dad was called up to pitch in heaven. A son couldn’t ask for a better father, and I love him more than words can say. I can’t help but feel that the Lord needed him on the other side to help prepare for what’s to come.

I’ll miss you, Dad. I love you. Thank you for everything.

Clarifying Points Being Questioned – Part III

Continued from the previous post of a reader who seems to delight in attacking our website, so we are taking a few articles to respond:

• Comment: About five kilometers inland from the island of Molatupu in the autonomous Guna Yala Comarca in the San Blas Islands of Panama is a broad plain once called Acla (Place of Bones) in the extinct Cueva indigenous language. 

Guna Yala, formerly known as San Blas, is a comarca indígena in northeast Panama. Guna Yala is home to the indigenous people known as the Gunas

 

Response: Gaigirgordub, called El Porvenir until July 1, 2016, is the capital of the Panamanian comarca of Guna Yala. The settlement is located on a small island and contains a landing strip, a museum, a hotel, government offices, and an artisans' cooperative—there is also a small beach. In fact, threre are some 1600 islands within the range of Panama.

Culebra Cut (Gaillard Cut): Passage across the region and through Gaillard Cut was made possible by damming the Chagres River at Gatun. It created the massive Gatun Lake wich manages the differences in the river’s rate of flow. Note the closeness of the cuts to the Panama Canal

 

Spanish conquistador Vasco Núñez de Balboa helped establish the first stable settlement on the South American continent at Darién, on the coast of the Isthmus of Panama. Balboa (which means “beautiful valley,”) was born in 1475 in Jerez de los Caballeros, a town in the Spanish region of impoverished Extremadura—an area which also produced other famous New World conquistadors, including Hernán Cortés, Francisco Pizarro, Hernando de Soto and Francisco de Orellana.

Balboa’s father was considered a nobleman, he was a descendant of the Lord mason of the castle of Balboa, on the borders of León and Galicia; however, the family was not wealthy, so Balboa tried farming and fell heavily into debt. Fleeing the consequence of the debt, he sought, like many of his class, to seek his fortune in the New World and stowed away on a ship which landed in Colombia.

He immediately began exploring the coast of Colombia (along the Caribbean Sea), and wrangled a sponsored by the Spanish crown. King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile sponsored Balboa during his exploration of the New World.

Hearing of gold and other riches in a wealthy Empire to the south (evidently in Peru), Balboa decided to cross Panama to get to what the Spaniards called the Mar del Sur (South Sea) and what Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, in the employ of Spain called this body of water pacific, due to the calmness of the water at the time ('pacific' means peaceful).

Magellan began his journey across the Atlantic Ocean to seek a western route to the Spice Islands via South America. After long months of battling the Atlantic Ocean, he finally entered the Pacific and found it so calm and tranquil that he named these waters pacific ('pacific' means peaceful).

Covering approximately 59 million square miles and containing more than half of the free water on Earth, the Pacific is by far the largest of the world's ocean basins—all of the world's continents could fit into the Pacific basin.

The Culebra Cut. An artificial valley along the Pacific Ocean to Gatun Lake and eventually the Caribbean Sea. Water level here is 85 feet above sea level, with Contractor's Hill on the left and Gold Hill on the right

 

In September 1513, leaving from Darién, Balboa led an expedition of some 190 Spaniards and hundreds of Indians southward across the Isthmus of Panama. He hoped that if he was successful, he would win the favor of Ferdinand, the king of Spain, and therefore gain his sponsorship.

They marched across the isthmus through dense jungles, rivers, and swamps. Finally, on September 27, 1513, after ascending a hill by himself, Balboa sighted the South Sea, or the Pacific Ocean. The journey covered 45 miles, and took three weeks to cross through the thick jungles of Panama. After hacking his way through the jungle Balboa was still not able to see the Pacific Ocean until he climbed a mountain peak—becoming the first European to see the eastern shore of the great South Sea (the Pacific Ocean), on September 13, 1513. It was several days later that he actually reached what he later called San Miguel.

While he is often erroneously credited for naming this sea, it was actually named by Magellan during his circumnavigation of the globe. Magellan named it as such because its waters seemed so calm in comparison with the Atlantic Ocean that he named it Pacifica (meaning peaceful).

Balboa claimed the Pacific Ocean and all its shores for Spain, which delighted the Crown—an act which brought fame to Balboa as well as a sponsorship of the Spanish king.

This one act opened the way for Spanish exploration and conquest along the western coast of South America, giving Spain a solid foothold in this region of the world. It was through Balboa's conquest of this region and the information he gained through exploration that conquests further south could be made, such as that over the Incas.

Some days later he reached the shore of the Pacific at the Gulf of San Miguel and took possession of the South Sea and the adjacent lands for Spain.

At this time, Acla was a Spanish colonial town founded by order of the Governor of Castilla de Oro, Pedrarias Dávila, in 1515. It was located on the central coastline of the modern-day Kuna Yala, to the northeast of Panamá. 

The ground was strewn with bones

 

The town's name means “bones of men” in Acla, the indigenous language. The name comes from the large number of bones strewn about the nearby plains, which supposedly came from the conflicts between two indigenous brothers who fought to become chiefs of the region.

The town was established principally to be the Caribbean anchor of a trail that was planned to lead to a future town on the Gulf of San Miguel on the Pacific Ocean, which had recently been discovered by Balboa. This town is mostly famous because it was the site of the judgement and decapitation of Balboa in 1519 at the hands of Governor Dávila.

Due to the unhealthy nature of the climate and terrain surrounding the town, and especially after the founding of Panama City and Nombre de Dios a few months later, it was slowly abandoned until it was left totally deserted in 1532.

Comment: In the north end of the plain is a 500 feet tall hill, which is small compared to the nearby mountains. Beneath the soil and occasionally on the soil surface, thousands of human bones extend for as far as the eye can see. Five-hundred years ago, Balboa passed across this plain and wrote of these bones during his expedition to the Pacific side of the isthmus. He recorded that skulls and other parts of human skeletons filled the plain. The Cueva tribesmen with his expedition…explained that the name "Acla" comes from the large number of human bones strewn about the plain, which supposedly came from a time when two mighty nations destroyed each other in a great battle of mutual annihilation.

None of these hills match what Mormon wrote about the hill Cumorah where the final battle took place

 

Response: First, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross, there are an estimated100,000 missing persons, people’s whose bodies have not been found. Second, no doubt there are hundreds of such incidents where nations, that is paranoid and narcissistic leaders of two groups of people who fought to the death of everyone—we see two of these in the Book of Mormon (“Over 100,000 missing people is a global crisis, says Red Cross,” India Today Magazine, New Delhi, 2018,

The issue is that the information should match Mormon’s description of the events, which the battles at Acla simply do not.

(See the next post for more information about this battle Mormon mentions and the lack of connection to the hill at San Blas)

Clarifying Points Being Questioned - Part II

Continuing from the previous post regarding a reader’s critical evaluation of some of our posts and our responses.

• Comment: About 87 kilometers south of the isthmus, is a narrow strip of mountain wilderness composed of the northern limit of the Andes with summits above 17,000 feet. South of the Andean wilderness is a plain extending from Venezuela into Colombia. While this area presently produces most of the corn, rice and cereal grains in Venezuela and Colombia, in colonial times Venezuela shipped more than 1,700,000 quintals of wheat from this region to Mexico. Today, very little.”

Response: Today Venezuelan farmers in this area produce no wheat or barley but 700 thousand tons of corn (Zea mays) and 170 thousand tons of rice. This region is known as the "bread basket" of Venezuela.

Producing on the Colombian side of the border, 1.18 million tons of corn, 20 thousand tons of barley, and 4.4 thousand tons of wheat. These Nephite crops yield well in this part of South America.

Left: Wheat; Center; Barley; Right: Quinoa

 

In addition, there is the super grain called Quinoa (Keen-wa): Chief growing areas for the world’s quinoa crop are in Peru and Bolivia, with Ecuador, Colombia and Argentina represented to a lesser degree. Altogether this area produces 117 million pounds of quinoa annually, about a third of which is organic.

Small family farms—70,000 just in Bolivia—grow virtually all of this quinoa, without irrigation, in a desert-like landscape. Fortunately for these subsistence farmers, world-wide interest in quinoa is skyrocketing.

The so-called “gold of the Incas,” Quinoa was the food of choice for Andean warriors who needed to boost their stamina. Now, it’s the “it” food of the moment in much of North America, Europe and Asia. With high levels of protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, lysine, manganese and vitamin B12 as well as zinc, copper, and potassium, its classification as a superfood is very much deserved. What’s more, quinoa’s sky-high fiber levels can help reduce cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Grown in the high Andes, quinoa is usually boiled just like a grain, though it’s actually a seed from a plant related to wild spinach.

In the U.S. alone, imports more than doubled from 2006 to 2008, then doubled again, to 22.3 million pounds, from 2008 to 2010. This has translated into a major jump in the local economy, with many farmers’ incomes doubling in recent years, enabling their communities to build schools and otherwise improve their standard of living. In the U.S. and Canada, quinoa is now being grown in areas of the Rocky Mountains, from Colorado to Saskatchewan, mostly at elevations of 7,000 to 10,000 feet. South America Quinoa has an enormous genetic range, including cultivars that can thrive from sea level to about 13,000 feet in altitude. As for his comment that “

• Comment: But not in the Andes, where wheat, barley, corn and cotton do not grow. 

Wheat was once a major production in the Andes. Now South America has switched to quinoa

 

Response: At one time, wheat grew profusely in the Andes. Today, wheat is a minor crop in Peru with most of the production concentrated in the temperate, southern highlands. Grown at 9,185 to 11,480 feet above sea level, production remains limited only by geography as well as current economics. The Peruvian farmer cultivates only about two hectares of wheat, on average.

The traditional and most frequent method of consumption of Wheat production is lightly roasted, ground grains which produce a pleasant flour called cañihuaco. This is consumed on its own, in cold or hot drinks, or in porridges. Over 15 different ways of preparing the whole grain and cañihuaco are known (as entrees, soups, stews, desserts and drinks). In the bakery industry good results have been achieved by adding 20 percent of cañihuaco to wheat flour, which gives the product (bread, biscuits) a pleasant characteristic color and flavor. Cañihuaco also has medicinal uses: it counteracts altitude sickness and fights dysentery while the ashes of its stem can be used as a repellent against insect and spider bites.

However, in recent years the economics of crop growth is being directed by ministers who are moving the Peruvian farmer into quinoa and kiwichi production, of which Peru has millions of tons of each that could be produced. It is a slow process to gear up and become successful, but some companies are already achieving exceptional growth results.

Corn: As for corn (maize), it was grown and eaten by people living in the Andes in Peru at least 1,000 years earlier than previously thought, researchers said: “They show on-site processing of maize into flour and provide direct evidence for the deliberate movement of plant foods by humans from the tropical forest to the highlands

Barley. As for barley, planted in zones above 9,850 feet and up to 16,400 feet, where adverse climatic conditions do not allow other crops to be grown, barley is the main food security component for the 3 million native Peruvians living off subsistence agriculture in the Peruvian Andes. In the midst of these high mountains, quinoa is a staple food that surpasses wheat and corn in nutritional value.

Cotton. As for cotton, Peru has optimal growing conditions for pima cotton. The northern coastal valleys of Peru are pima cotton's ideal home, due to the region’s rich soil and perfect temperatures, which results in the cotton having an unbelievably soft hand and beautiful luster. Thanks to ideal growing conditions hand harvesting, and extra-long staple length, Peruvian Pima cotton is the world's finest, prized for its unusual durability, softness and brilliant shine. It is softer and more absorbent as compared to other kinds of cotton.

Truck Containers once brought wheat to the Americas from Peru, now it is quinoa

 

Quinoa. High in the Andes of South America, quinoa grows on land where one might be surprised to find anything flourishing—let alone a crop as nutritious and versatile as quinoa. In summer the sun blazes down mercilessly through the thin atmosphere, while winter is characterized by frigid blasts. The soil is thin and rainfall scarce—yet, quinoa not only grows but thrives on the altiplano, or high plains. Chief growing areas for the world’s quinoa crop are in Peru and Bolivia, with Ecuador, Colombia and Argentina represented to a lesser degree.  Altogether this area produces 117 million pounds of quinoa annually, about a third of which is organic.

Anciently, the quinoa is a food plant which was extensively cultivated in the Andean region by pre-Columbian cultures some 5000 years ago and was used in the diet of the settlers both of the inter-Andean valleys. which are very cold high areas, and of the high plateaus. After maize. it has occupied the most prominent place among Andean grains. Today, ministers want to make quinoa the grain of the world, replacing wheat and corn.

• Comment: In Venezuela there is a narrow neck of land that runs north and south connecting the mainland to a huge, desolate desert peninsula that is so hot and dry with soils so salty that agriculture is impossible. This narrow neck of land is the Isthmus of Médanos, and the peninsula is the Peninsula de Paraguaná (Desolation in the extinct Mariche indigenous language). The peninsula and its connecting isthmus are part of the Venezuelan semi-arid coastal state of Falcon.

Response: The Médanos Isthmus is a sandy isthmus in Venezuela that connects the Paraguaná Peninsula with the rest of Falcón State. The isthmus is approximately 4 miles wide and 17 miles long. It is the site of the Médanos de Coro National Park, and is a Venezuelan national park occupying the sandy Isthmus of Médanos, which connects mainland Venezuela to the Paraguaná Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea, that covers an area of more than 35 square miles.

Set along the Isthmus of Médanos, on the northern (Caribbean) coast of Venezuela, the National Park is made up of three zones:

• an alluvial plain, formed by the delta of the Mitare River and some smaller streams

•an aeolian plain, composed of three types of dunes

• a littoral plain with a belt of mangrove swamps

The Médanos Isthmus is a sandy isthmus in Venezuela that connects the Paraguaná Peninsula The only extensive area of sand dunes in South America

 

Médanos de Coro National Park protects part of the Paraguaná xeric scrub ecoregion. It covers 35 square miles of desert and coastal habitat, including salt marshes. Flora consists of little more than thorny shrubs. The park is an Important Bird Area with some 21 species including Yellow-shouldered amazon. Other fauna is scarce; the park is home mainly to lizards, rabbits, anteaters and foxes.

It should be noted that this isthmus is in the Paraguaná xeric scrub ecoregion and has no bearing on anything Mormon wrote.

The isthmus is approximately 4 miles wide and 17 miles long. It is the site of the Médanos de Coro National Park, and is a Venezuelan national park occupying the sandy Isthmus of Médanos, which connects mainland Venezuela to the Paraguaná Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea, that covers an area of more than 35 square miles.

(See the next post for more information regarding this peninsula)