Himmler's crystal skull found in Germany

BERLIN, March 10 (UPI) -- A Swiss journalist said a crystal skull believed to have belonged to Nazi SS chief Heinrich Himmler was found hidden in a German home.

Journalist Luc Burgin said the skull, found hidden on a roof beam in the home of a woman who was once married to a high-ranking SS officer, appears to be one of a series of skulls revered by the Mayans in ancient Mexico, The Daily Mirror reported Thursday.

Himmler, who committed suicide after being captured by British troops during World War II, was well-known to have been fascinated by myths and legends during his tenure as one of the highest ranking Nazis under Adolf Hitler.

Burgin said the skull, which weighs about 20 pounds, is similar in appearance to the death's head on the uniforms of Himmler's men.

"I am 99 percent sure that this is one of the skulls of the Mayans, but we need clarity and all available tests will be carried out to ascertain authenticity," Burgin said.