The recent release of a photo purported to be that of the back and torso of a Bigfoot or Sasquatch has many intriguing elements that correlate to the findings of my current research and interpretation of the Sasquatch musculoskeletal system. Although there is a possibility that the photo is the product of an artfully crafted hoax, there are number of characteristics in the appearance of the figure that oddly and coincidentally resemble the latest series of anatomical illustrations I was working on when the photo was released.
A mature Sasquatch or Bigfoot has a skeletal structure that is similar in most respects to that of a human, differing mainly in the overall size and in the proportional relationships. The torso of a Bigfoot is typically much larger and massive than that of a human, with a barrel chest, and broad, high-set shoulders.
The main muscles in the upper back, the trapezius pair, attach to the spine, shoulder blades, and and to the base of the skull, as depicted in the accompanying illustrations. (The images can be selected by number and enlarged by clicking directly on the image.) The trapezius muscles are very robust in the Bigfoot or Sasquatch, accounting for much of their tremendous upper-body strength.
The base of the Sasquatch skull has enlarged and structurally reinforced elliptical areas where the tapezius and related muscles attach. (the squama occipitalus pair) The coned cranium of a Sasquatch is also a reinforcing structural element for the musculo-skeletal function of the trapezius muscles. The proportionately shorter and wider neck vertebrae function as a strong support column as the shoulders are raised using the trapezius muscles. It is interesting to note that similar structural adaptations can be found in humans, particularly career body-builders, though in a lesser degree.
The second and third illustrations in the series above show the aspect of the torso and head of the Sasquatch or Bigfoot as it would appear, first, without the coat of body hair, and subsequently with the full coat in the natural state. (Note that the illustrations are copyright protected and may not be legally reproduced online or in print without express permission.)
In regards to the photo, which can currently be viewed as posted at the link in the Resources section below, there are many opinions and speculations as to its authenticity. There have been statements that this photo is one of a series. Without hi-res versions of the original series, it is not possible to definitively make a call as to whether or not it is real. Many aspects of the figure conform to the best current knowledge we have of the Sasquatch anatomy. However, there are some anomalies that seem contrary to typical anatomical features.The first is the dark stripe along the spine, which could possibly be considered a pattern of hair growth, except that as it nears shoulder height, it curves off toward the right, contrary to a normal pattern that would either continue straight up the spine, or have a symmetrically matching branch on the left. There also is an area with the appearance of a bulge and a depression below on the inside of the upper right arm that is contrary to typical anatomical aspect of the underlying muscles (triceps brachii) in that region. These anomalies are the perhaps the most questionable elements in the photo, although there can be plausible explanations for the apparent disparities. Perhaps more of the purported photos in the series will be released to help clarify these issues.
Since both photographs and videos can be hoaxed with modern technology, the most reliable evidence for the existence of Bigfoot or Sasquatch currently available is the comprehensive DNA sequencing that is expected to be published in the near future. The DNA sequenced from many sampled individuals will help determine definitively if Sasquatch or Bigfoot are the closest living relatives to modern humans. There is the possibility that they may be a subspecies related to the hominins evidenced in a broad range of fossil remains that are currently classified as Homo Heildelbergensis. For articles related to the skeletal structure of Sasquatch and a discussion of the Heidelbergensis hypothesis, refer to the links in the resources section below.
Resources:
Bigfoot/Sasquatch Skeleton Analysis:
http://voices.yahoo.com/bigfoot-bones-sasquatch-skeleton-analyzed-compared-10977262.html?cat=58
Origins of Sasquatch vs Heidelbergensis in the fossil record:
http://voices.yahoo.com/the-origins-saquatch-bigfoot-10509269.html?cat=58
Melissa Hovey posted the photo referred to above on this blog, which is periodically updated:
http://txsasquatch.blogspot.com/
