The Whimsically Weird World of Collections: Ten Peculiar Pastimes from Antiquity to Modernity
Forming The Collective, sparked a realization about the diverse collections we've nurtured over time. From books and greenware pottery to unique items like artichoke figurines, our shared revelations underlined our varied passions. This discovery ignited a shared curiosity to delve deeper into the world of unconventional collections.
Collecting—the age-old hobby of gathering together items that hold a particular interest. For some, it's stamps, for others, coins. But for the connoisseurs of the quirky, collecting becomes a delightful doorway into the eccentric recesses of human passion. Whether you're a diehard collector of mundane magic or simply curious, come join me on this jovial journey of discovery. Together, we'll delve into ten of the most curiously captivating collections from around the world and through the ages.
People's love for collecting stems from a melange of personal, social, and even evolutionary factors. At its core, building a collection offers not just a sense of achievement but also a deep connection to history and legacy. Every artifact, stamp, or memorabilia piece can be a tangible link to the past, serving as a guardian of stories and memories. This drive to collect can also be a reflection of one's identity and passions, making collections a canvas of personal expression.
The world of collecting isn't just about the items themselves. It's also about the community and connections it fosters. Engaging in this activity can weave a social tapestry where collectors find camaraderie with like-minded enthusiasts, trading insights, stories, and sometimes the collectibles themselves. Beyond the social sphere, the allure of potential economic gain cannot be ignored. Many collectors see their treasures as investments, hoping for appreciation in both sentimental and monetary value.
Interestingly, some theorists propose that our affinity for collecting might be rooted in our evolutionary past, echoing the primal activities of hunting and gathering. This, coupled with the therapeutic calm many find in organizing and displaying their collections, makes the act of collecting a multifaceted endeavor, deeply ingrained in the human experience.
1. The Fruit Labels of Yesteryears
Apples may be as old as Adam, but collecting their labels? A rather recent revelry! Fruit crate labels, specifically those from the late 19th to mid-20th century, are celebrated for their vibrant and artistic designs. Apple boxes adorned with gorgeous illustrations served not just as a marketing ploy but as windows into the visual aesthetics of bygone eras. Who knew apples could be so... appeeling?
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, agriculture was experiencing significant growth. Fruit crate labels were essentially advertisements, but their intricate and artistic designs have made them a modern-day collector's dream. Many labels reflected the region's characteristics, the type of fruit inside, or even political themes of the time. Collecting these offers a glimpse into marketing and design trends of yesteryears.
Freak Scale: 4 | While somewhat unusual, it's an aesthetically pleasing collection that can easily appeal to art and history lovers.
Value: Original vintage labels in mint condition can range from $5 to several hundred dollars, depending on rarity and design.
Difficulty: Moderate. While many labels are available online, finding rare labels in excellent condition might be challenging.
Accessible Version: Collect modern fruit or product labels. They might not have the vintage charm, but they capture today's marketing trends.
2. Ancient Roman Tear Bottles
Today, we might write about our grief or snap a somber selfie. But ancient Romans? They collected tears! Tiny ornate glass bottles, called lachrymatories, were believed to be filled with mourners' tears during funerals. It's said they were then buried with the deceased, symbolizing love and remembrance. Talk about wearing your heart on your glass sleeve!
These small containers are primarily found in tombs. It's believed that mourners would collect their tears as symbols of their grief and remembrance. There are even biblical references to tear bottles, indicating their deep cultural significance. Some of these bottles were intricately designed, indicating a social or economic status of the deceased or their family.
Freak Scale: 8 | This collection is rather out of the ordinary. The idea of storing tears as tokens of mourning is a uniquely human touch, making it notably eccentric.
Value: Authentic tear bottles can fetch prices ranging from $50 to over $2,000, based on condition, design, and provenance.
Difficulty: High. Authentic specimens are rare and can be expensive.
Accessible Version: Collect modern artisanal mini-bottles or vials, which come in a myriad of designs.
3. Napoleonic Hair Affairs
A strand of Napoleon's hair? Now, that's a keepsake! In the 19th century, collecting hair - particularly from famous figures - was not just normal but noble. These hair samples, sometimes braided into intricate designs, were kept in lockets, brooches, and even framed as treasured tokens of affinity.
Hair was considered an intimate keepsake. The Victorians, especially, had a penchant for using hair in jewelry, creating everything from brooches to wreaths. Collecting hair from figures like Napoleon would have been akin to modern fans collecting autographs from celebrities.
Freak Scale: 9 | Collecting hair, especially of famous personalities, is quite distinctive, leaning towards the "hair-raisingly" bizarre.
Value: Hair from famous personalities can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Difficulty: High. Authentic pieces, especially from iconic figures, are rare.
Accessible Version: Start a "family hair collection" with strands from family members, stored in ornate lockets or pendants.
4. The Milk Bottle Brigade
Before the dawn of the carton era, milk was delivered in lovely glass bottles. These bottles, often embossed with dairy names and logos, have become delightful collectibles. There's an innocent nostalgia associated with them, reminding folks of simpler times when the sound of clinking glass heralded the morning.
Beyond their nostalgic aesthetic, milk bottles often carried the name and location of the dairy, making them valuable for historians and enthusiasts alike. Some bottles even featured specific designs or messages, making them sought-after artifacts from the pre-plastic era.
Freak Scale: 3 | A touch unusual, but the nostalgia attached to it makes it feel more quaint than quirky.
Value: Common bottles might be $10-$30, while rarer ones could go for $200 or more.
Difficulty: Moderate. Many bottles are available, but the rarest might be harder to find.
Accessible Version: Collect modern artisanal or boutique beverage bottles with unique designs.
5. The Icelandic Elf Specimens
Elves! Not just the stuff of Tolkien tales. In Iceland, many believe in the hidden folk - elves and fairies living amidst the land. Some enthusiasts gather 'elf stones', rocks and minerals believed to house these enchanting entities. It's a rock-solid collection for those who enjoy a touch of the mystical.
Icelandic lore is rich with stories of hidden folk, or huldufólk, and many still respect these traditions today. Elf stones, considered the homes of these entities, are often found in beautiful shapes or with intriguing patterns, making them both culturally and aesthetically valuable.
Freak Scale: 7 | Though deeply rooted in Icelandic culture, from an outside perspective, collecting stones believed to house elves is endearingly eccentric.
Value: The value lies more in personal and cultural significance than monetary worth.
Difficulty: Moderate, especially if seeking specific "elf stones" from Iceland.
Accessible Version: Begin a collection of intriguing rocks or minerals from local nature walks.
6. Antique Mourning Jewelry
Similar to the hair affairs, Victorians had a unique way of remembering their departed loved ones. Mourning jewelry, often crafted from jet and adorned with somber symbols like urns, weeping willows, and more, became a wearable tribute to those who had passed on.
These pieces often have layers of symbolism. For example, a weeping willow might signify mourning, while a sheaf of wheat might symbolize the divine harvest (or life's end). Some jewelry also contained compartments for keepsakes, like a lock of hair or a portrait.
Freak Scale: 6 | The sentiment is understandable, but the symbolism and focus on mourning can seem unusual to some.
Value: Pieces can range from $50 to several thousand dollars, based on age, design, and materials.
Difficulty: Moderate to High, especially for rarer, more intricate pieces.
Accessible Version: Collect modern memorial jewelry or keepsakes, often available in craft fairs or online marketplaces.
7. Feathers of the World
Not your average bird-watching! From Victorian ladies with their elaborate feathered hats to modern enthusiasts who curate extensive displays of pristine plumes, feather collecting has been a fascinating flight through history. And no, we're not winging this one.
The Victorian era saw a feather boom, where exotic feathers were a sign of luxury. Sadly, this led to bird endangerment. Today, ethical feather collecting focuses on naturally shed feathers, emphasizing appreciation without harm.
Freak Scale: 4 | While it has its unique aspects, especially given the ethical considerations, it's a collection rooted in natural beauty.
Value: Depending on rarity and condition, they could be a few dollars to a few hundred dollars.
Difficulty: Moderate, but ethical considerations should prioritize obtaining naturally-shed feathers.
Accessible Version: Collect feathers you come across during hikes or outdoor adventures, ensuring they're ethically sourced.
8. Chindogu
The 'Unuseless' Inventions of Japan: Not a collection of objects per se, but a collection of ideas! Chindogu refers to inventions that, while solving a problem, often create another. Think shoe umbrellas or butter sticks. They might not be practical, but they're oh-so entertaining!
These inventions are humorous solutions to everyday problems. While they might seem absurd, each chindogu has a logic to it. They're not just gags; they're social commentaries on the complexities of modern life.
Freak Scale: 10 | The epitome of quirk! Chindogu is intentionally unusual, often hilariously impractical, and celebrates the strange side of creativity.
Value: While some original Chindogu creations might have value for their novelty, many might be considered "priceless" due to their uniqueness.
Difficulty: Low to Moderate, especially if seeking specific inventions.
Accessible Version: Create your own quirky solutions to everyday problems, starting a DIY Chindogu collection.
9. Whale Earwax Chronicles
This might sound ear-resistibly strange, but yes, whale earwax is a thing! Scientists have recently tapped into these waxy wonders to trace back the life story and environmental exposures of whales. Collecting and studying these tell a unique story of the deep blue.
Whale earwax, or cerumen, builds up in layers over the years. Scientists can examine these layers to glean information about a whale's life, from its exposure to pollutants to its stress levels. It's a unique collection that marries biology and history.
Freak Scale: 10 | Certainly on the stranger side of science! It’s a collection more for research than hobby, but the concept is undeniably unique.
Value: High for scientific research but not typically traded as collectibles.
Difficulty: High. This isn't a traditional collection and requires specific conditions for extraction and study.
Accessible Version: Start a collection of articles or findings about unique animal studies, creating a library of fascinating biological discoveries.
10. Soviet Space Dog Memorabilia
In the race to space, the USSR sent several dogs into orbit before humans took the giant leap. Laika, Belka, Strelka – these spacefaring pups became unexpected celebrities. Today, collectors scout for stamps, figurines, and postcards honoring these celestial canines.
Before humans went to space, animals were the pioneers. The USSR's space dog program had several successes, and these pups became symbols of progress and exploration. Memorabilia celebrating them reflects not only their stories but also the intense space race era.
Freak Scale: 5 | It’s an offbeat tribute to the unsung heroes of the space race. While space memorabilia is common, focusing on space dogs is a delightful divergence.
Value: Prices vary widely from a few dollars for common postcards to several hundred for rarer items.
Difficulty: Moderate, though some items can be rare.
Accessible Version: Begin a collection of space-themed memorabilia or postcards, which are widely available.
Each of these collections tells a story, offering insights into human culture, history, and our ever-evolving relationship with the world around us. They serve as reminders that sometimes, it's the quirkiest things that can hold the most profound meanings.
