Do you collect oddities (old/antique or modern)? Even things related to the occult or religions? If so, what do you collect, and why?
I collect Victorian mourning dolls (modern creations not antiques), voodoo dolls (one of a kind ones), artistic skulls, and even St. Francis statues (I just like the idea that he's supposed to be the patron saint of animals).
I collect “no evil monkeys”, vintage Reyn Spooner Hawaiian shirts, books on Japanese gardens and gardening, and all manner of miniatures, religious and secular, for my Jungian sand tray room.
The whys are more difficult and would take more analysis than anyone here would be interested in, says the Jungian psychotherapist. ? (snooze emoji)
I love really old photos. When I go to antique stores, if they have a bunch of random photos in a basket for sale, that's where I spend most of my time. I am most intrigued by Victorian era death photography and have a few that I have found in my journeys. It is just fascinating that they used to pose them with their siblings or even the entire family. Back then, death was not perceived to be as morbid as it is today. In some photos, you can't even tell who is the dead one. Here's an example for people that may not be familiar with it. [bbc.com]
On a side note in relation to the above, there are now a few non-profit organizations where professional grade photographers volunteer their time to do 'remembrance photos' of infants that have passed for various medical reasons. Sometimes it is in done their last moments of life and filled with emotions. They are beautiful photos and bring comfort to the parents.
Sorry if I offended anyone.
I’m familiar with that kind of Victorian photography. It’s interesting.
My collection is odd. I collect old iron. Mostly very old hand forged iron like odd hand tools or logging and farming parts and pieces.... lots of old rusty stuff. Some small peices that you could lay in your hand and others that weigh hundreds of pounds. Some of it gets hung up for decoration to remind people of where we came from. One of the many hats (or skills) that I enjoy is fabrication and welding. So sometimes i will repurpose some of my old iron by welding pieces together so that they may once provide a function, while also looking beautiful and interesting. One of my creative outlets that I allow myself.
@graceylou You mentioned dolls and I remembered that I have a set of doll eyes that I got from my mom's house when we settled her estate. She had several old dolls that were distributed throughout the family but these eyes were separate. I keep them on one stone column bases in my great room. They tend to freak people out and its a great conversation piece!
I used to do archaeological work and a friend of mine dug out a former outhouse. At some point she uncovered these two doll eyes staring out at her from the ground.
A couple of TR6 s that I have restored. And lots of spare parts
I collect fossils, old occult objects, crescent moons, crystals, spiral objects, goddesses, lots of odd stuff.
It seemed like I was collecting horses, but I am finally down to one, although, I co own a horse with my daughter. Horses are very expensive to collect, so I had to stop.
I have two horses and a donkey. They are expensive for sure.
@graceylou we rescued a donkey. We found out she was pregnant. We now have a 5 month foal. He is adorable. So we have them, 3 horses, around 8 pigs, many chickens, ducks, geese, guineas, dogs and cats, and 2 goats. I'm not sure how we accumulate so many critters, but someone needs a home for something and they end up here.
@Wisewoman3 It’s the same with me. I have 56 critters, 53 of which live in my house.
I've got a small obsession with religious paraphernalia, sacred texts, prayer items and weird things like Ouija boards. I even have a Buddhist Gohonzon.
Me too on the Gohonzon, I got it in 1983. They don't make replacements in that way any more because of schism between the Nicherin Shoshu and Sokka Gakkai.
and if you bury a statue of St Francis by your front door upside down you are supposed to sell it faster. I would like to collect more old and odd things than I do
@KissedbySun oh my, that was the problem!
I collect dust. I don't even have to go out to find it. Dust just shows up.
Strangely enough, so do I !
I collect Madonna and child art...all sorts...I have no idea why....
Oh my
@Bigwavedave yeah...I am not religious nor do I like or have children...I just like the serenity of her face depicted by many artists, especially those in Mexico or South America...I also collect the ones done by the masters during the middle ages and the Renaissance...I have a lot of explaining to do when people see the collection...ha ha ha