Grandma had a lot of collectible miniatures and figurines. I mean a lot. Every wall, every shelf, every cubbyhole had something displayed when I was a kid. Some had stories, some just sat there looking cute.
Sadly a lot of it has gotten packed away. However, I’ve tucked away a few gems to keep on secret display, in rooms where cats and clumsy humans do not roam.
On the porch near my herb drying rack, I’ve hidden away the carved animals.
There are several, 8 or 9 in all. Most of them are elephants of various sizes, with one adorable pig the size of my hand. Only the pig has a label taped to his belly (thank you, Grandma) that states its origin; Onyx - Made in Mexico.
While a few of the elephants may also be onyx, I suspect one or two are calcite. I believe they came from an assortment of adventures, all from individual vacations and people. My grandma might have found some on her own, but I bet the collection began as a gift from someone else who traveled somewhere exotic.
There were so many random things my grandma collected - spoons, thimbles, dishes, matchbooks, jars, furniture - it’s hard to know where each collection began and why. Some have sentimental value, some possibly monetary value.
Regardless, these carved animals are neat.
The pig and two of the elephants.