Monday 27 July 2009

Swedish Hustomte

The Naturally mummified body of a swedish "Hustomte" or housegnome. dated 1866.










Yes, it's another tiny dead man! Hustomten comes from scandinavian folklore and is a gnome that is said help the farmer and cares for the lifestock, he has a fierce temperament and is very traditional. If he gets upset he will bring misery to the household.
It's been some time since i made this, but I still like it alot, It was fun to make something based on the folklore from my own country. the whole box measures - 27cm/10.6 inches.

The label reads- "This litte housegnome was found by my father, Jan Peter Peterson, in the winter of 1866 inside the old barn wall. He was already lifeless."

Saturday 25 July 2009

Shrunken Head

Tsatsa, or shrunken head, Ecuador-ca 1870. With stand.









This is my associate Ed, He's actually made mostly of clay and a dolls wig. then painted and given an aged, leathery skin finish. (but don't tell him that) The stand is wood and brass.



Friday 10 July 2009

The smallest man

The embalmed body of the smallest man who ever lived, enshrined in a decorative case of painted wood, walnut and glass. Merrick & Hertz freakshow USA - 1912






Sorry for the delay but I've been very busy. This one was great fun to make, and took many turns and twists during the process, I particularity enjoyed using some colours for a change and do some decorative painting, sewing a tiny, tiny suit was less amusing.... But the end result is one of my favourites so far.
the whole shrine measures 13,5x16 Inches (34x41cm)