A Spectrum of Curious Collectibles: What Really Weirds Us Out

The world of collecting is as diverse as it is puzzling. From the interesting to the downright bizarre, these hobbies often cross the line from fascination to something truly perplexing. Let's explore some of the weirdest collections that might leave us scratching our heads.

Bugs Through a Lense

Bugs, in their countless forms, have captivated collectors for generations. Whether it's the intricate process of pinning and labeling beetles and butterflies or the minuscule specimens preserved in vials of alcohol, these collections are appreciated by entomologists, but perhaps seem a bit weird for the average person. For me, discovering a bug outside prompts admiration, but I let them continue their proper bug life undisturbed.

Shrunken Heads and More

Shrunken heads, human and otherwise, hold a macabre allure for some collectors. Alongside bodies and other somber memorabilia such as useless spent cartridges, decommissioned shells, and the remains of roadkill, these items stand as a stark reminder of death and decay. They are, to say the least, a stretch from the ordinary.

Snow Globes with a Twist

These peculiar collections aren't all dire and macabre. One man's hobby is to create artificial snow in globes that encapsulate replicas of landmarks and cityscapes. Every time he goes to his "man cave," it feels like he is embarking on a grand tour around the world. His display, though expensive to travel and experience, is often inexpensive to create thanks to the use of cheap plastic replicas. He even has segments dedicated to areas that no longer exist, like the World Trade Center, Heritage USA Theme park, and various locations in East Germany.

Washing Machines: An Odd Delight?

Another odd collection comes from a man named Jan-Erik Baum, who has amassed over 50 washing machines. His hobby is so peculiar that it caught the attention of German television and countless radio shows. He is known as the "king of washing machines." While I personally see it as just another quirky hobby, the majority of people find it highly unusual. The sheer volume and variety of these household appliances certainly make for an eclectic display.

Whiskers as Art

Finally, we have the minor but interesting hobby of collecting cat whiskers. One man keeps his cat's shed whiskers in an ornate box, finding beauty in the everyday. This might seem odd to some, but it highlights the personal and sometimes whimsical motivations behind collecting.

No matter how peculiar these collections may seem, they all share a common thread: the human impulse to collect and make sense of the world around us. These oddities may perplex one person but fascinate another, a testament to the vast spectrum of human interests and the mysterious allure of the strange.