Top 10 Macabre Collectibles

The world of collectibles can be fascinating, but some items are truly macabre. These unique pieces attract those with a taste for the unusual and the eerie. This article explores the top 10 macabre collectibles that will send shivers down your spine and intrigue even the most stoic of collectors. From stuffed animals posed in bizarre scenes to real preserved human heads, these collectibles offer a glimpse into the darker side of collecting.

Stuffed Animals

Walter Potter, a self-taught taxidermist, crafted unusual dioramas featuring small dead animals in humanlike scenarios. His collection included gambling rats and a funeral procession of robins. Though the collection was broken up and auctioned off in 2003, Potter’s work remains a macabre marvel.

Preserved Heads

General Horatio Gordon Robley collected Maori heads, seeing them as art. His collection ended up in New York’s American Museum of Natural History, but New Zealand is still trying to reclaim these culturally significant artifacts.

Hair Collectio

 John Reznikoff is known for his collection of celebrity hair, including locks from figures like Abraham Lincoln and Elvis Presley. Reznikoff also made headlines for donating Beethoven’s hair to create synthetic diamonds.

Murderabilia

 The market for murderabilia, or memorabilia related to infamous criminals, has grown. Collectors like Rick Staton and Marilyn Manson buy items linked to notorious figures. Despite legal challenges, this niche market thrives.

Genital Casts

 Cynthia Plaster Caster began casting famous genitalia in 1968, including those of rock stars like Jimi Hendrix. Her collection is both controversial and sought after by those interested in unique memorabilia.

Death Masks

Laurence Hutton collected death masks of famous figures such as Napoleon and Shakespeare. His collection, now housed at Princeton University, offers a chilling look at historical icons in their final moments.

Freak Show Artifact

 Peter the Great’s Kunstkammer featured bizarre anatomical specimens. Frederik Ruysch’s collection included preserved fetal skeletons and other curiosities, showcasing the oddities of the natural world.

Medical Photos

The Dr. Stanley B. Burns Collection is a vast archive of medical photographs. It includes images of surgeries, diseases, and post-mortem examinations, providing a stark view of medical history.

Bone

 Ray Bandar’s “Bone Palace” houses over 7,000 skulls and bones collected from around the world. Bandar’s dedication to his collection spans over fifty years, making it one of the most extensive private collections of its kind.

Tattoos

 Dr. Katsunari Fukushi’s collection of tattooed skins preserves traditional Japanese tebori tattoos. His collection includes rare Yakuza tattoos from the early 20th century and can be viewed upon request at the University of Tokyo.

These macabre collectibles offer a haunting glimpse into the world of dark and unusual collecting. Each item tells a story that is as intriguing as it is unsettling.