A mysterious package arrived at the University of Chicago recently, sent to a one Mr. Henry Walton Jones, Jr.—or, as many of us know him, Indiana Jones.

When he wasn’t off collecting near-death experiences in search of legendary artifacts, Dr. Jones taught archaeology at…you guessed it, the University of Chicago.

The big question—a question the university is eager to find the answer to—is who exactly sent it and why? Is someone just a big fan, crafted this meticulous replica, and offered it as a cool gift? Or are their bigger hands at play here? Could Disney be floating out the subtlest of teases, a gentle whisper that they plan to make Indiana Jones 5?

Continue reading for details on what was inside the mystery package, and to see a few images as well.

The package, which came in a manilla envelope secured with string, appeared to be worn and a bit dirty, as if having traveled through the mail, but there was no U.S. postage on it, only photocopied foreign stamps pasted on. The address was for the specific building it was found in, which is now home to admissions and the Econ department, but used to be where their geology and geography departments were housed.

Inside, there was an incredibly detailed replica of the journal of Indy’s mentor, University of Chicago Professor Abner Ravenwood. The book was dusty, its cover a teal fabric with a red velvet spine. There was also some weathered inserts, postcards and photographs of Abner’s daughter and Indy love interest Marion Ravenwood, as well as some old replica money.

Everything appears to be handmade, with the greatest attention to detail. But the university notes that the handwriting found within is without all the signs of actual handwriting, such as pressure marks, indicating that everything was printed.

In all likelihood, this is just someone who thought it’d be fun to throw a little Indy magic at the school in the form a cool collectible replica. If so, they can send one my way too, if they wish. Indy…uhh…thought that John Rhys-Davies was hiding out in my basement once. You can even grab similar replicas on eBay, such as this one.

But it also wouldn’t be all that surprising to find out someone like Disney was behind it. We were thrust right back into Star Wars madness the second the company purchased Lucasfilm from George Lucas, but we’ve not heard what other properties they may be diving into as well. Before the acquisition, it seemed very likely that we’d never see another Star Wars movie, while Indiana Jones 5 was still rumored to be possible from time to time. And if Disney want the icon himself, Harrison Ford, to be involved, they would have to get to dancin’ on the project in the very near future one would assume.

The university is so intent on finding out who did this, they’ve called for the help of the internet via their Tumblr account, and even set up a brand new e-mail account just for this mystery. If you know anything, you can write them at indianajonesjournal@uchicago.edu.

Until we know the truth behind the mystery package (IF we ever find out the truth), we can only speculate. Which can also be fun. Where/whom do you think it came from?

Images

[Source: via Heat Vision]