HISTORICAL RESEARCH

The stories and eras behind the clothes — from zoot suits to utility wear.

Traditional translucent brown seal skin parka with hood and outstretched arms displayed on a stand.

Black and white photo of two men wearing traditional armor with striped conical hats, each holding a spear.

Black and white photo of four Inuit people wearing traditional hooded parkas, two standing and two sitting among logs and rocks.

Two children standing in the snow wearing traditional Japanese rain gear made of straw.

ENTRY 001

WATERPROOF JACKETS

In regions like China and Japan, naturally water-repellent plant fibres such as rice straw, sedge, and coir were woven into intricate rain capes. Wealthier individuals often wore lightweight silk garments treated with vegetable oils, like tung oil, to repel water.

To survive freezing oceans, indigenous Inuit and Aleut peoples crafted waterproof, lightweight, and naturally breathable garments from marine mammal intestines. Modern science would not replicate this technological feat until the late 20th century.

ENTRY 002

LIGHTNING

Ancient civilisations attributed lightning to powerful deities such as Zeus in Greek mythology, Thor in Norse legends, and Indra in Hindu scriptures. It was widely seen as a weapon or a tool of divine retribution.

Black and white engraving of a muscular bearded man wearing a crown and loincloth, holding a hammer raised above his head, standing on rocks with a volcanic mountain and lightning in the background.

Ancient bronze statue of a naked male warrior wearing a helmet, poised to throw a spear, standing on a red marble base.