Imaginary Museum of Obscure Objects

Please note that we are no longer accepting submissions via email. We invite you to continue this project by sharing your objects on Instagram with the hashtag #museumofobscureobjects and tagging us @artyardcenter. Learn more below:
NEW WAY TO SUBMIT (click)
Step 1
Photograph your item(s) on a neutral, clean background, if possible in natural light. Please make sure to center the object and leave enough space around it.
Step 2
Post the picture(s) on your own Instagram using the hashtag #museumofobscureobjects. Please tag us at @artyardcenter. Include a brief story if you have one about the context, where you found the object, or what it means to you.

Old Figurines
Submitted by Rane Stark-Buhl
@treasureislandmuseum
The attached image is of figurines from a display at the Golden Gate International Exposition, San Francisco’s World’s Fair of 1939-40. These figurines were part of an exhibit depicting the settling of California and life on the western frontier. Their exact use is a bit of a mystery and we only have bits and pieces in our collection. They are treasured nonetheless!

Magical Whale Vertebrae

Miniature Baskets Carved from Peach Pits and Other Seeds
Submitted by Renee Soto
@moirenee
I love miniature objects, and I like to think about the person or persons who carved these so carefully.

Old Dish with Barnacles
Submitted by Jill Kearney
@jillkearneym

Ivory Hand
Submitted by Annie Porter
@amporter3
This object came from my father-in-law, Ivan Cousins. He was an antiques dealer and had a shop in Sausalito, California for many years. After retiring, he became an actor.

Eternal Repose
Submitted by Donna Hays
@fudgeandfrogs
I call this “Eternal Repose”. I found this in a thrift shop years ago and was equally appalled and intrigued by it and ultimately decided it had to come home with me.

Boot Sculpted from Macerated U.S Currency
Submitted by Renee Soto
@moirenee⠀
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, all kinds of souvenirs were made of recycled cash. The tag on this boot reads: “Made of the U.S. Bank Notes redeemed and macerated by the U.S. Government at Washington D.C. Estimated at $2,000”

Folded Hairnet Made if Real Hair
Submitted by Renee Soto
@moirenee ⠀
I am submitting this once-common object that has become obscure over time, as styles and standards of personal grooming have changed. This is a hairnet made of real hair. The packaging describes it as a “self-conforming cap shape” and “special size for bob hair.” It is also described as “invisible” and ” light brown, double mesh, triple strength.” I found it in its original envelope, folded in a piece of tissue paper. I don’t believe it has ever been used. The manufacturer’s name is “Venida” and it says “This Venida net has been sterilized.”

Comb Carved from Natural Horn
Submitted by Renee Soto
@moirenee
This horn comb, in the shape of a leg, is from Mexico. I love how the natural dark making forms the dainty shoe.

Bee Wax
Submitted by Camille Cunningham
Instagram: @totsieturvey
I am a beekeeper and the wax is from one of my hives.

Unknown Oklahoma Animal Skull
Submitted by Camille Cunningham
Instagram: @totsieturvey

Lotus Pod

Old Glove
Instagram: @eileenhohmuthlemonick An old glove found 40 years ago.

Vessels from Deer Trail

Hickory Nutshells
Instagram handle: @mare_mcclellan This time of year I find stashes of empty hickory nutshells. I like observing the varied shapes mice gnaw in the shell to get to the nut. Some make one big hole on both sides. Some make two holes on each side. Same mouse responding to the thickness of the shell? Different mice using different nut mining methods? I pile them on a table and admire the evidence of their efforts.

Rescued newspaper

French Metal Thumb Contraption
Instagram: @cineutopia I’m the oldest of two, and I traveled to Greece for the first time with my parents when I was a toddler to visit my grandparents. An avid thumb-sucker, they worried I’d pick up germs along the way, so they purchased this miniature French metal contraption for my thumb. I don’t remember really using it, but they saved it anyway and gave it to me once I became an adult with my own toddler. Needless to say, I never used it on my son.



Top of a powder box

Wave Hair Curler from the ‘50s

Foot of a snowshoe hare

Precious box of rocks and minerals

Old eye doctor board

Old lab tools

Old rusted pistol

Hank of hemp

Glass cullet

Glass eye collection

Communion plate

Botanical model

Silk

Cigarette card

Anatomical model

Knife sharpener

Fossilized whale ear bone

Carved wooden scissors

Metal doll head
I bought it at a flea market from a man who found it at the beach. From Jill Kearney’s collection.

Cigarette card

Cigarette card

i thought the rusted pistol was cool.