Thor’s ‘Barnum's Fiji Mermaid’ Original Sculpture - One of a Kind
Regular price
$2,500.00
Thor’s ‘Barnum's Fiji Mermaid’ Original Sculpture - One of a Kind
"The "Fiji Mermaid" or otherwise known as a "FeeJee Mermaid" is a forever debated mystery of scientific and maritime lore. Earliest accounts and descriptions of these strange creatures of the sea date back to ancient Japan and China, where fishermen described coming across these half fish, half humanoid wonders. Many claimed them to be real and some were said to be dried and kept closely in the possessions being superstitious of showing them to the public for profit.
Through the ages, the tales grew and some of the early "fakes" were created as taxidermy oddities....usually half fish and half monkey specimens. The line between which were "real'' and what were hoaxes began to blur, but many fishermen and sailors swore they actually either saw or had once known someone who possessed one alive or well preserved.
In the mid 1800's the legend reached to the West, and P.T Barnum created a fake "FeeJee Mermaid" that stunned the crowds. Robert Ripley also acquired and commissioned fakes to be seen in his museums.
I have created what I feel are the most "authentic" replicas of what was long described as a "real" mystery of the sea. A species, un documented that, once roamed the ocean reefs near the Fijian Islands, said to be caught in the nets of fishermen by accident. These replicas are BEYOND Museum quality, highly realistic "mummified specimens" made with painstaking detail and care. No "fish" or animal products were used to replicate the organic nature of what looks to be truly authentic.
I am not sure how many I will make of these, but the quantity will be very limited. Personally crafted by me...and infused with the magic and lore that will make a centerpiece for display and conversation in a museum, bar or private collection of curiosities."
-THOR
Artwork by Thor (Tom Thordarson)
Details:
- Original sculpture by Thor
- One of a kind
- Art measures approximately 10"W X 24"H X 10"D
- Please Note: Due to the fragile nature of this item, you will be invoiced for shipping and handling separately once the fees are established