Occasional Hylics Factsさんのイラストまとめ

This also suggests that these guys are souls. Do what you will with that information (and ignore the tiny drac)

Interestingly, it seems there was originally going to be a peaceful option to reach Clawman's laboratory by actually guessing the password correctly, triggering an event that gives the "Clawman's Pass" item.
Additionally, the lab is called the "Soul Conversion Facility."

The character on the right is a reference to a design created for Somsnosa in 2013. It was also featured in album art made by Mason for Via App. https://t.co/4LVvMNnWA2

NO FUCKING WAY https://t.co/SAEFcQHMI3

While unique, this new enemy has various design similarities to older creatures from Somsnosa, as well as other art by Mason from that area.
Particularly, grey, almost stone-like bodies with weird fleshy bits. Similar colors are used too. https://t.co/Adpy4pNdv5

More Hylics 1 enemies! Again! Dread Meat and Foothead this time. https://t.co/05hgLUsdbR

Even more Hylics 1 remakes! The Spiral Polycerate(?), Slughead, and Ghost! https://t.co/IQxuoCNSSh

https://t.co/YFnYHNmUaL

Chuck Salamone (me) fact: In 2017, my band, Amigos, Amigos!, commissioned album art from Mason Lindroth for our EP "Music Box." This art features a few assets from Mason's previous works.
(Note the clay squiggles in both backgrounds)

Somsnosa as a character is largely inspired by Mason's previous works, notably the game of the same name. Many have noted that a character who appears in Mason's "Teardrop" game (as well as Hylics' files) resembles her.
It's possible her design originated as a pallet swap.