Wonder Cabinet Fantastic Relic Swap

Truly one of the greatest things that originated during the rise of the Curio Cabinet was the introduction of ‘oddities’ or ‘wonder relics’ which with the discovery of the new world, and later during the rise of odd and curious Victorian interests, were manufactured and sold to collectors. With the rise of the wonder cabinet, private collections opened up a new venue for created relics most mysterious. A classic Victorian example is that of the Fiji Mermaid which was exhibited by P.T. Barnum and later copied by Robert Rippley. This very well done taxidermy of a monkey with a fish tail was later debunked as a fraud but that didn’t keep the oddity from becoming one of the most popular wonders in cabinets everywhere. With the rise of the natural history museum a new opportunity opened for traders of the rare and bazaar. Artifacts and other curiosities were sold internationally accompanied by marvelous stories. Some of the most famous artifacts in the world would later be proven fakes such as the crystal skulls of Mexico. Yet such things none the less intrigue and inspired many a visitor. Today oddities can still be discovered and while awe inspiring still, are a little less believed. Elvis’ toenail, the Jackalope, space debris in Rosewell.

So for our swap, inspired by such marvelous oddities we shall ‘create’ and exchange one wonder relic.

*This relic will be housed in a curious container. Create or alter one. Use a matchbox, a tin, cigar box, a glass bottle, ect and make it look old, odd, interesting, altered, ect.

*Label it, tag it, define- species, collection number, location info, collector’s name, or any other info that might be intriguing.

*place oddity with in vessel. Oddity can be something perfectly normal. It can be something you altered, or created. Something you found or bought.

*Created a most simple and short but wild and fantastic story behind your relic. How it was it found, what was done to acquire it. At what cost? Spin a marvelous tall tell or exquisite yarn.

A wonderful example of such wonder relics can be found in the ‘Merchant of Marvels and the Peddler of Dreams’ by Frederic Clement. I recently acquired this enchanting story for $3 from Big Lots. Most recommended! Such great oddities mentioned in this story are:

Puss in Boots whiskers Thumbelina’s cradle Eyelash from Queen of Sheba Baby ogre tooth Lock of hair from a Mermaid Splinter that pricked Sleeping Beauty

This is International due to members in the group. With this in mind please consider shipping costs and importing regulations. Some countries limit organic materials- plant and animal items. Also, I don't think we have any bad ratings in here but just so it is known, no swappers below 4.9 unless you contact me and have good reason for your low rating. Newbies welcome with defined profiles. Not sure if we have any of those either.

Image borrowed from CyborgSuzy's flickr account:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyborgsuzy/