4 Comments
User's avatar
Imperceptible Relics's avatar

In 2002, a resident on campus bought Chas Tenenbaum's red tracksuit on eBay for a large amount. He always wore it. My friends said he was very creepy, and having met him, saw it gave him a source of pride, something he didn't have much of at the time. I think a lot can be learned from artifacts, but some prefer to be a walking museum.

Expand full comment
Wessie du Toit's avatar

Hah! such a good story. I should have been clearer that a lot of this must be driven by extremely eccentric individuals, and in a way that's the beauty of it.

Expand full comment
Hadden Turner's avatar

The Mao Zedong Mango Cult made me laugh. The price people are willing to pay for that sense of a personal connection never ceases to amaze.

Expand full comment
Wessie du Toit's avatar

Indeed, and how that connection can make an object seem so precious! I find it easier to understand when I imagine how I might value things associated with a loved one.

Expand full comment