The “Curiosities” column at Sapiens.org explores the nature, importance, use, and changing interpretation of artifacts people have created
Human beings often infuse objects with deep, substantial meaning. The Curiosities at Sapiens.org investigates these curiosities, thereby inspiring us to think more deeply about our humanity and the significance of the countless things that surround us. Since February 2016, more than three dozen Curiosities columns have been read more than 700,000 times around the globe. In them, Dr. Steve Nash has tackled subjects ranging from the Huey helicopter to Acheulian hand axes, from Neanderthal stone tools to modern GPS systems, and from Russian gem carvings by Vasily Konovalenko to ancient footwear.
Future columns will tackle objects ranging from an Arctic parka made of sea mammal intestine; the challenge of Neanderthal leadership; the nature, meaning, and symbolism of neckties; and archaeological evidence of the first joke!