A strange and wondrous artifact, being a shrunken head, mounted on a small shield. Obviously a totemic trophy of some savage tribe, the head bears a crudely written description appertaining to some title or occupation. Being totally calcified, there is no sign of rot, nor does it stink.
Ever had a run in with the tax man? Received a parking ticket? Or come across an unfriendly taxi driver? These could be your revenge.
According to the Cabinet of Curiosities inventory list, these shrunken heads were created by a tribe of Ancient Britons pushed to the margins of our civilised country by successive waves of invaders, from the Romans onwards. In ever-decreasing numbers, they survived in the remoter parts of the country and in the thicker forests, including the great tract of woodland that we know as Epping Forest.
There they remained undisturbed until the recent plans for the 2012 Olympic complex encroached upon their hidden fastnesses. Since then, the massive construction site together with the huge floodlit fence that girds the entire workings, have suddenly brought our two tribes into more than a passing contact.
Proof of this is in three trophy heads that have been found in a hastily abandoned camp site close to the forests edge. That they are contemporary and not some ancient trophy is attested by the crude signs that were hung around the necks of the trophies. For on the plaque on which they are mounted read these legends:
- “
Taks Man (Tax man)
“ - “
Taksy Drivah (Taxi driver)
“ - “
Trafik Warden (Traffic warden)
“
These shrunken heads were sculpted by Ian Mitchell in the Somerset studios of Bernard Pearson, formerly of Clarecraft. They each stand 100mm high, and is 80mm wide and are made from Crystacast, a fine-art casting material, hand-painted and finished.
Designed & made in Great Britain.
