Odd Obsessions is a new twice-monthly feature I'll be doing about my current strange fascinations. Anything from unique jewelry, natural ephemera, unusual traditions or happenings, and other oddities. Hope you guys enjoy this new series!
On a recent antiquing trip, as I was perusing through the glass display cases, my eye was immediately drawn to these furry little feet sitting amongst the old jewelry and dusty treasures. I had to find out what they were! These grouse claw brooches come from Scottish tradition during the Victorian era. Scottish men would pin them on their kilts for good luck, particularly wearing them on hunting trips. The feet are often adorned with gemstones or colored glass, and some have additional embellishments like the stag head seen on 1, 3, and 4.
Grouse claws were also distributed as Mizpah brooches (these ones typically have an engraving of two hearts with an arrow through them on the back along with the word). "Mizpah" is a Biblical term roughly meaning "God watch over us while we're apart." The jewelry was given as a sign of love and remembrance during long separations. What could be more romantic than receiving a taxidermied bird foot upon your lover's departure?
These are still manufactured today, so they're not too terribly difficult to get ahold of. I'd love to snatch one of these up for my collection, or better yet, get one as a romantic gesture from Dave the next time he leaves on a big trip. ;)
I've never heard of such a thing. This is so interesting!
ReplyDelete<3 Melissa
wildflwrchild.blogspot.com
My sister had one of these when we were children.
ReplyDeleteIt both fascinated and horrified me in equal amounts.
I'd love to come across one now though.
Great post : )
I love that childlike curiosity about the things that disturb yet intrigue us. I've found a few sellers online that have them for under $20. I just might have to get one!
DeleteWow, fascinating! So many strange things that I've yet to learn of, this being one. I love the idea that what our culture considers "odd", was another culture's expression of love. I can't wait to see what the rest of your series will hold!
ReplyDeleteSeriously! The Victorian era was chock full of strange traditions, folklores, and beauty aesthetics. And to think that most of these things were "mainstream", haha.
DeleteWow, those are very different... and cool!
ReplyDeleteSo creeptastic. And I love the idea for the new feature! I have been experimenting with plenty of new features over on my blog as well, and have been feeling so much more inspired ever since. I hope it does the same for you!
ReplyDeleteI have one of these if you would like to see a photo. Any idea if it's what it's worth?
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've seen, they range anywhere from a couple of bucks to over a hundred dollars. I'm sure the value of it is based primarily on the age and materials since these aren't exactly rare items (they're still created today).
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