Animalau Blog

The markhor is the national animal of Pakistan and was once believed to have the ability to kill and eat snakes.

Because of the colours I used, in person you have to shift your eyes a bit to see the line work

They are also esteemed for their horns, which are believed to hold medicinal properties and are an attractive hunting target, prized for the challenge that accompanies stalking them in high mountainous terrains.

As Pygmalion carved his ivory statue on a pedastal, Markhors hold a prestigous place in their country. Unlike the realm of a greek myth, however, no manner of wishing or later sacrifices will restore life to the markhor if it becomes extinct. There are fewer than 2500 left.

-Christie

The phoenix is a symbol of immortality in its renewal and is suitably made of fire, as flames destroy but also cleanse. A phoenix identifies a true king with its passing shadow, so too can a fire reveal an element by enduring a flame test.

Boron, one of the solar system’s rarest elements, for example, turns a brilliant green. Phoenixes are an ancient myth, but by designing a phoenix made of a real element, it can be a metaphor for its traces and history with human use. Boron has been known to humans since AD300, first used as a glaze for ceramics. Since its first uses, boron has reinvented itself in various applications, such as glass, tank armour, bullet proof vests, shielding in nuclear reactors, MRI devices, participation in the compound that makes our strongest magnet and outer spacecrafts. It has low toxicity to humans but is essential for all life as it strengthens cell walls in plants.

Like boron, we have an idea of a phoenix’s properties and beginning, but they both exist in our daily lives in small, mysterious marks.

-Christie

I like boys with dark hair, and lots of it.

I agree with the lionesses! The males with the voluminous dark manes are striking. The darker his hair, the better his health and the higher the level of testosterone.  Under the African sun, however, it can take its toll. They are more easily spotted in the golden grass while hunting, and the heat increases the likelihood of abnormal sperm.

Sexual selection drives males to spend more of their resources on growing or maintaining these extravagant physical assets. In the same way, we value elaborate decorations, such as gold embroidery. Beauty is ridiculous, but it’s in our nature to appreciate  and be obsessed with it.

It persuades us to use extensive funds and labour to produce it, but it’s much more pleasurable looking at it than being or supplying it.

pant pant pant!

Somecat gimme a drink!

-Christie