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Dave's Mythical Creatures and Places |
Jenny Haniver
P.T. Barnum's "Genuine Mermaid"
| Description | These
are the general name for fake creatures, sometimes made by sewing a fish
and a monkey carcass together to make a "mermaid", or by
manipulating other bodies such as giant rays, bat wings, etc... to make
other monsters.
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| From | During the
1500's and 1600's there was a tremendous demand for monsters, so
naturally, a supply was created by forgers. One funny story is that
the proud owners of a fake Hydra in Hamburg were showing off their prize
to Linnaeus (the famous naturalist who invented the zoological
classification system still used today.) He very quickly pointed out
that it was a fake made of snakeskins and bird claws. The owners
became so angry with him they threatened prosecution, and Linnaeus had to
leave the city. (More about Linnaeus)
Nobody seems to know where the name Jenny Haniver comes from.
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