(9)

Topaz stones

Location: Erongo region, Namibia

Age: N/A

Composite: Semi-precious stone

Collected by: Lennie Repina

Collected by my mother, who is (for those who know her) a legendary backpacking traveller, Alpinist and experienced Geologist. These are usually offered as gifts for the kindness of so many families hosting the weary traveller.

(10)

Mopani wood Resin

Location: Huaseb, Namibia

Age: N/A

Composite: Colophospermum mopane Resin

Collected by: Jackal (with help from Jackal’s family!)

Endemic to Namibia and parts of South Africa, the hardwood Mopani tree is in high demand across the world. To the best of my knowledge, these naturally occurring resin balls have not been documented before. They were found in a very remote part of Damaraland, Namibia (think wild desert elephants and lions!). They give off an extraordinarily pleasant aroma when burned (similar to frankincense).

Sidenote: This is only a working hypothesis. The resin balls may also belong to Combretum imberbe or a different tree entirely. Further research is needed.

(11)

River stone

Location: Ajoy River, West Bengal, India

Age: N/A

Composite: stone

Collected by: Jackal

Over the years I have witnessed the Ajoy river being systematically looted from its sand and stone by illegal sand mafia to the point that the damage to the river flow and surrounding area (water table, paddy fields, lakes and ponds) is now irreversible.

(13)

Shells

Location: Sundarbans Mangrove Forest, Bangladesh/West Bengal

Age: N/A

Composite: shells

Collected by: Jackal

These creatures live in the mudbanks created by the ever advancing mangrove forest in the world’s largest Mangrove delta.

(15)

Stone

Location: Brazil

Age: N/A

Composite: Stone

Collected by: Gina

(12)

Shells

Location: St Martin, Bangladesh

Age: N/A

Composite: Sea shells

Collected by: Children on the island

Everyday children pick shells from the bountiful sea and sell shell necklaces to tourists for 10 - 20 taka (0.09 USD). For more details on St. Martin see number 16.

(14)

Cloth

Location: Ghana

Age: Contemporary

Composite: Cotton, Dye

Collected by: Livinge

A typical example of batik textile dye, originating in Java but popular across the world, especially in central and western Africa.

(Bonus)

Cigar Tube

Location: Cuba

Age: Contemporary

Composite: Plastic

On Loan: From Beckbagahn bari museum, specially designed by head curator Mishka and assistant curator Taufik.