Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Random Picture Wednesday


I got no post.  So when all else fails, put up a weird photo.  I like this photo.  I know nothing about it.  And I do believe that is a swastika on his button.  

Jeremiah just provided me the identity of the photographer.   David Pritchard, I liked to his site.  He's got some great b&w photos. 

8 comments:

  1. Either it's the invasion of the nazi birdmen, or else a post-apocalyptic plague doctor. Regardless, I'm scared. Very, very scared.

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  2. Here's the photographer, David Pritchard.
    Very creepy portrait, wouldn't want to meet him.

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  3. Reminded me of something from Escape to Athena!

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  4. I wonder... Has there ever been a valid reason for that shape of mask, or has it always been created just for the "bird man" effect?

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    1. Assuming the photo is meant to be a plague doctor mask, I found this on wikipedia under "Plague Doctor Costume":

      "The mask had glass openings for the eyes and a curved beak shaped like that of a bird. Straps held the beak in front of the doctor's nose. The mask had two small nose holes and was a type of respirator which contained aromatic items. The beak could hold dried flowers (including roses and carnations), herbs (including mint), spices, camphor or a vinegar sponge. The purpose of the mask was to keep away bad smells, which were thought to be the principal cause of the disease in the miasma theory of infection, before it was disproved by germ theory. Doctors believed the herbs would counter the "evil" smells of the plague and prevent them from becoming infected."

      (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plague_doctor_costume)

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  5. I've seen these bird-headed guys on album covers, Egyptian art, etc for years. Stephen King had them in his Dark Tower novels, and called them Taheen, which I think is as good as generic name as any.

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