A painting from 1937 depicting a 17th-century Massachusetts scene has reignited debate among conspiracy theorists who claim a mysterious object held by a Native American proves time travel exists.
The Controversial Artwork
Italian artist Umberto Romano created the mural titled Mr Pynchon and the Settling of Springfield in 1937, showing settlers arriving in Massachusetts during the 1620s. The painting features a Native American man holding what appears to be a dark rectangular object while staring intently at it, bearing a striking resemblance to a smartphone. Since iPhones did not debut until 2007, the image has fueled speculation about time travel for years.
Brian Anderson, writing for Motherboard, offered a more practical explanation. He suggested the object likely represents a mirror, commonly traded between European settlers and Native Americans during that period. The man’s posture and hand position would make sense if he were examining his own reflection, Anderson noted. Historical records show mirrors were frequently exchanged during early colonial encounters in Massachusetts.
Pattern of Similar Claims
This painting represents just one example in a series of historical artworks and footage where modern technology appears to show up impossibly early. A 1928 Charlie Chaplin film titled The Circus sparked similar theories when Irish filmmaker George Clarke discovered footage showing a woman apparently holding a device to her ear. The clip, posted to YouTube in 2010, has accumulated nearly seven million views despite experts suggesting she was likely using an early hearing aid.
Clarke pointed out specific details in the footage, including the woman’s hand position and apparent conversation with herself. Portable cell phones did not become widely available until the 1980s, more than 50 years after the movie premiered. Daily News reporters quickly dismissed the time travel theory, explaining that hearing aids existed in 1928 and provided the most logical explanation for the object.
What This Means
These recurring debates highlight how historical objects can resemble modern technology when viewed through a contemporary lens. Mirrors, hearing aids, and other period-appropriate items sometimes create visual similarities to smartphones and electronic devices. While the theories generate significant online engagement and discussion, experts consistently point to simpler explanations rooted in the technology and common objects of each respective era.
Not showing the painting and movie clip and having to go threw so many pop up adds to get to the story man you think I’d stop trying with all the click bate but here I was again sad
Could have shown us the painting, what a lame article.
The lacks of mixed media for these “currentheadlines” stories is flaunting their computer skills, go and hire a high schooler level programmer!