Two-headed ducks and blood-filled monkey masks

JOIN us on a weird - yet fascinating - tour of Gordon Rutter's Edinburgh personal "museum". Gordon collects all things, um, weird and yet fascinating. He's happy to share some examples of his vast collection, as long as you evaluate it for what it is...erm, weird and yet fascinating.

We thought we would offer big images from Gordon's collection. To start, Gordon calls this one "possibly one of my favourites". It's a two-headed duckling - cute as can be and perfect for the Easter season!

When you stand seven feet tall you can often find it difficult to fit into clothes, cars - or even under a carnival big top. With hands twice the size of most people, can a giant find a giant ring? These rings, in truth, were sold at carnivals and circus shows in America where real giants live.....

Now don't be alarmed, as this is not the real Shroud of Turin ... but you are close. It's a reproduction of the Veil of Veronica that is held in Italy. Legend has it that a matron named Veronica took pity on Jesus as he was carrying his cross on the way to his crucifixion. Veronica stepped forward from the group of onlookers and wiped the blood and sweat from his face with her veil. Her kindness was repaid, as Jesus worked a miracle and left an imprint of his face on the veil.

This one is more artistic than mysterious. Gordon describes it as a Bakota Reliquary from the African nation of Gabon. It is mounted on reliquaries containing the remains of important tribal members and serve today as guardians. The figure is sheathed in metal with protruding headdress and diamond-shaped body.

Take a close look at this one. Closer. Closer.... It is called the Hand of Glory - an executed criminal's hand converted into a candle. When the candle is lit the occupants of the house in which it is placed will remain asleep allowing uninterrupted entry to the house. Believe it ... or not.

And finally, this is a Kapala a Buddhist sacrificial holder. It is said that blood poured into this takes on the personification of the Monkey God Hanuman.

What a collection of artefacts! It's a picture gallery worth sharing with friends ... if you dare.

As you could probably imagine, Gordon has an endless appetite for the odd and unusual, and he is always on the lookout for more items to add to his collection. If you have something to share or would like to ask a question, contact Gordon at his e-mail address.

If you enjoyed this article, you may want to read:

Mermaids, jackalopes and a one-eyed pig