Ep 2. Shrunken Head

In this episode of Oddities, titled "Shrunken Head," the eccentric team at Obscura Antiques & Oddities, located in New York City, is back for another thrilling adventure into the realm of the bizarre and the macabre. Season 2 takes viewers deeper into the world of strange and peculiar artifacts, showcasing the fascinating stories behind each peculiar find.

As the episode kicks off, the team at Obscura Antiques & Oddities is greeted by an unexpected and spine-chilling artifact—a shrunken head. Intrigued by its mysterious origins, Mike Zohn, one of the shop's owners, displays his expertise by examining the head's intricate details, searching for clues that will shed light on its history. This is not just any ordinary curiosity; it is a unique testament to human culture and the mysteries that surround it.

Meanwhile, another eye-catching item walks through the door—an extraordinary set of prosthetic legs made for an elephant. Evan Michelson, a seasoned expert in the world of oddities, is fascinated by the sheer size and intricacy of the legs. This animal oddity sparks a series of questions about the incredible stories that creatures large and small can leave behind in their wake.

Simultaneously, newcomer to the shop, Abby Lustig, stumbles upon a peculiar contraption—a vintage hair dryer in the shape of a gun. Unsure of its purpose, she relies on her newfound colleagues to help unravel its enigmatic past. This discovery leeches into discussions on the evolution of beauty standards throughout history and how society's perception of appearance has changed over time.

However, the fun doesn't end there. The team's journey takes them to a unique and exclusive auction featuring items that would make any collector's heart race. They encounter a rare and elaborate antique snake charmer's outfit. Dazzled by its beauty and craftsmanship, they explore the significance of this ceremonial attire and delve into the enigmatic world of snake charming, a practice intertwined with myths and legends.

As the episode progresses, Obscura Antiques & Oddities receives a fascinating inquiry from a young couple seeking an artifact related to Victorian mourning customs. This request leads Mike Zohn and his fellow team members on a quest to uncover a highly sought-after item—a mourning pendant. These keepsakes were not just a remembrance of loved ones; they represented an intricate system of rituals and customs surrounding death in the Victorian era.

Throughout this episode, the team manages to balance their fascination with the unusual and their desire to share the stories behind each oddity with their customers. Their passion for preserving history and creating connections with the past is both educational and entertaining.

"Shrunken Head" not only showcases the eclectic array of artifacts found in Obscura Antiques & Oddities, but it also delves into the intriguing stories behind each item. From the exotic to the nostalgic, the bizarre to the beautiful, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the world of oddities and the people who dedicate their lives to exploring them.

So, join the team at Obscura Antiques & Oddities as they embark on another thrilling and enlightening episode of Oddities, where the peculiar becomes the norm, and every object tells a tale you won't find anywhere else.