Unusual Collections: A World of Oddities and Trivia

Have you ever wondered about the various collections people keep? From toenail clippings and burls to shrunken heads and obsolete words, the world of unusual collections is vast and intriguing. In this article, we will explore some of these odd collections to uncover the stories behind them and their significance.

The Case of the Toenail Clippings

First on our list is an unusual yet common collection: toenail clippings. When dealing with toenail fungus, some might find themselves collecting these clippings for medical reasons. While it may not be the most glamorous collection, it serves a necessary purpose, ensuring proper treatment and hygiene.

The Art of Shrunken Heads

In the past, there was a fascinating and somewhat controversial collection item: shrunken heads. These preserved heads, also known as piqués, were often collected by explorers in South America. One collector, for instance, inherited several shrunken heads from their father, who had acquired them during a trip in the early 1930s. However, the presence of such items in the home was deemed inappropriate by the collector's spouse, leading to their sale. If you've ever wondered about the story behind these controversial artifacts, it's a tale worth exploring.

Collecting Oddities: From Burls to Necrologies

Burls, irregular growths on the trunk or branches of trees, can be fascinating to collect and display. Often used in decorative arts, a brother-in-law collects and polishes these burls for display, making them a unique addition to any collection.

Another intriguing collection is that of necrologies. Necrologies are essentially obituaries or eulogies, but in a literary form. They can be treasured for their poetry and prose, often documenting the lives of notable figures who have passed away. These collections can serve as a tribute to the deceased and a means of preserving their memories.

Personal Oddities and Trivia

Personal collections often tell a story about the collector's interests and quirks. For instance, someone might collect items like a small collection of guitars, but due to a pinched nerve in their elbow, they can no longer play them. Another collector might keep an 8mm movie of their father's trip to South America, where he acquired the shrunken heads, now sold as a cherished memento.

Trivias, on the other hand, are random bits of information that can be amusing or enlightening. For instance, Sylvia Plath's birthday or the correct pronunciation of the Xhosa language can be fascinating trivia. The internet is a goldmine of these odd facts, some of which might seem pointless but often offer a glimpse into the human fascination with the unknown and unusual.

Lastly, the collection of flowers in a notebook is a rather unique and delicate hobby. Whether it's a flower of all kinds, including wild weeds, these collections can be beautiful and appealing, serving as a personal reminder of nature's beauty.

From toenail clippings to shrunken heads, from burls to necrologies, these odd collections have their stories to tell. Whether you're a collector or simply interested in the world of the unusual, there's always something to explore and discover.