Random Ripley's Roundup... Part 4 of ???

1. Believe It or Not!, this headhunter's sword used to literally sever heads. Currently on display at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Grand Prairie, this chilling blade offers a rare look into the spiritual practices of the Dayak people of Borneo. To outsiders, the act of headhunting might seem like a brutal and bloody tradition. But for the Dayak warriors of 19th-century Borneo, it was a sacred ritual rooted in deep spiritual meaning. The act of taking an enemy's head wasn't done out of malice; it was believed to be the only way to fully destroy an enemy's spirit and absorb their power. Owning a head was a badge of honor, and only warrior families were allowed to display them. These skulls were cherished, honored with food offerings, and even passed down as family heirlooms. For the Dayak, these trophies weren't just reminders of past battles; they were sacred symbols of protection, legacy, and strength. Known as a Parang Ilang or Mandau, the sword itself was crafted specifically for battle. Its slightly curved blade wasn't just a stylistic choice; some believe the curve helped warriors avoid the shoulders for a cleaner decapitation. The hilt was often carved from horn, animal bone, or even human bone, with intricate engravings that hint at its material and origin. Have you ever collected any type of swords?

2. Meet Thomas Wedders, also known as Thomas Wadhouse, the circus performer who became famous for having a nose that stretched to what experts believe was a staggering 7.5 inches long! Born around 1730, Wedders found himself in the perfect time and place for his incredible nose. Traveling circuses and sideshows were booming, and people paid good money to see the strange, the spectacular, and the unbelievable. Contemporary writers weren't always kind. Some described Wedders using harsh terms. None of the critics could stop Wedders. Instead of hiding from public ridicule, he carved out a career and embraced life as a performer. In a world that wasn't always welcoming to difference, Wedders' ability to turn his feature into fame is nothing short of remarkable. Photography hadn't yet been invented during Wedders' lifetime, so we don't have snapshots of the man with history's longest nose. But his likeness lives on. Wax figures of Thomas Wedders can still be found today inside Ripley's Believe It or Not! Attractions, allowing guests to get nose-to-nose with one of history's most fascinating figures. Thomas Wedders' story is more than just a tale about a long nose. It's about how someone turned what could have been seen as a burden into a career that amazed and inspired. Do you find it inspirational when people are able to turn what can be seen as a disadvantage in life into a positive outcome?