In 1953, in the bustling city of Guadalajara, Mexico, a curious event took place. Dr. Charles H. Seevers, a researcher from the Field Museum, was taking a break from his insect-collecting expedition. While exploring an antique store, he stumbled upon something truly bizarre. It was a creature with sunken eyes, a mouth that stuck out, horns, and a long, spiky tail. It looked like something out of a myth or legend!
Was this a mythical beast? Surprisingly, no. It was actually a fish! Since the 16th century, people living by the sea have been crafting these strange figures from certain types of fish, like skates and rays. They would sell them to tourists and collectors who loved odd and unique items. These creations became known as ‘Jenny Hanivers.’ The name is believed to come from a mix-up of the French phrase ‘jeune d’Anvers,’ which means “young person of Antwerp.”
Many Jenny Hanivers are made from a type of ray called the guitarfish. Guitarfish belong to the family Rhinobatidae and are found along beaches, coastlines, and in estuaries. They have a unique shape that makes them perfect for these artistic transformations. However, in recent years, the practice of selling these altered fish has decreased. This is because many of these fascinating fish are now protected by conservation laws.
Even though the tradition of creating Jenny Hanivers has faded, their legacy continues in museums around the world. These museums help us remember the strange and creative ways people have interacted with nature throughout history. So, next time you visit a museum, keep an eye out for these peculiar fish figures and think about the stories they tell!
Imagine you are an artist in the 16th century tasked with creating a mythical creature from a fish. Using clay or playdough, sculpt your own version of a Jenny Haniver. Think about what features would make it look mysterious and mythical. Share your creation with the class and explain the story behind your creature.
Choose a mythical creature from another culture and research its origins and significance. Prepare a short presentation to share with the class, highlighting similarities and differences between your chosen creature and the Jenny Haniver. Use images or drawings to enhance your presentation.
Engage in a class debate about the importance of conservation laws that protect species like the guitarfish. Divide into two groups: one supporting the laws and the other opposing them. Use facts and examples to support your arguments, and consider the impact on both the environment and cultural traditions.
Take a virtual tour of a museum that features Jenny Hanivers or similar artifacts. As you explore, note down interesting facts and observations. Write a short report on what you learned and how these artifacts help us understand historical interactions between humans and nature.
Write a short story from the perspective of a Jenny Haniver. Imagine its journey from being a guitarfish in the ocean to becoming a mythical creature in an antique shop. Describe its adventures and how it feels about its transformation. Share your story with the class.
**Transcript:**
Guadalajara, Mexico, 1953. During a break from his expedition collecting insects, Field Museum research associate Dr. Charles H. Seevers was perusing an antique store when he came across a most unusual specimen. It was an unusual-looking creature, with sunken eyes, a protruding mouth, and horns, along with a long, barbed tail.
Is it a mythical creature? Nope, it’s just a fish. Since the 16th century, sailors and seaside dwellers have been selling manipulated figures of certain cartilaginous fishes like skates and rays to tourists. They were marketed to oddity collectors as unique fish and became known as ‘Jenny Hanivers,’ thought to be a misinterpretation of the French phrase ‘jeune d’Anvers’ or “young person of Antwerp.”
Many of these figures are made from guitarfish, a kind of ray in the family Rhinobatidae, which live along beaches and coastlines, and in estuaries. The practice of selling their disfigured bodies to tourists has declined in recent years due to conservation protections around many of these remarkable fish. But, thanks to museums, you could say this odd legacy still has a presence.
Discovery – The act of finding or learning something for the first time. – The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928 revolutionized medicine.
Creature – An animal or living being, often used to describe animals in their natural environment. – The deep ocean is home to many mysterious creatures that scientists are still studying.
Fish – A cold-blooded, aquatic vertebrate with gills and fins, living in water. – Salmon is a type of fish that migrates upstream to spawn in freshwater rivers.
Jenny – A term used historically to refer to a female donkey, but in biology, it can also refer to a female of certain species. – The jenny was observed caring for her young in the wildlife reserve.
Haniver – A mythical creature created by drying and shaping a fish, often a ray or skate, to resemble a dragon or monster. – Sailors in the past would create hanivers as curiosities to sell at ports.
Guitarfish – A type of ray with a body shape resembling a guitar, found in warm seas. – The guitarfish is known for its unique shape and can often be seen gliding along the ocean floor.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Learning about the history of ancient civilizations helps us understand how modern societies developed.
Nature – The natural world, including plants, animals, and landscapes, as opposed to human creations. – Exploring nature can teach us about the diverse ecosystems that exist on our planet.
Museums – Institutions that collect, preserve, and display objects of historical, cultural, or scientific importance. – Museums often have exhibits that showcase the history of life on Earth, including dinosaur fossils.
Conservation – The protection and preservation of natural resources and the environment. – Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting endangered species from extinction.
