Hand Of Man Museum

Ever wanted to hold 20,000 years of history in your hands? 🦣

The distinctive ridges of a mammoth tooth were designed to grind tough grasses across frozen landscapes, and each section tells a story from a world long before written history.

Whether you’re a lifelong collector, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who loves extraordinary conversation pieces, there’s something undeniably fascinating about owning a genuine prehistoric fossil.

You can find different dinosaur bones and fossils to take home at our Red Barn Antiques Gallery in Chemainus, and explore even more incredible pieces of natural history like this at our Hand Of Man Museum. 🗺️♥️

Fun fact: Jim Shockey, owner of Hand of Man Museum, was just a boy when he collected his very first treasure: a conch shell. 🐚

That single shell sparked a lifelong curiosity that would grow into an extraordinary collection of shells, corals, and countless natural wonders from around the world. 🪎🌎

Every great adventure starts with curiosity. 🔎

From towering fossils and remarkable wildlife to cultural artifacts, local history, and stories shaped by the natural world, every gallery offers something unexpected.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering a favourite exhibit, we look forward to welcoming you.

Stay curious! 🦖

From bold statement pieces to tiny treasures that feel like they belong in another era, this corner of our gift shop is full of pieces with personality and just the right amount of mystery.

The dangerous part? Coming in for “just a quick look.” 👀👀

Part 2! - This one’s a little more challenging than our previous giraffe video 😆

Here’s some juicy hints:

Hint 1:
Its beak is so large that nature had to make most of it hollow just so the bird could fly. 🪽

Hint 2:
That “helmet” on top of its beak is called a casque. It helps amplify their calls through the rainforest like built-in surround sound. 📢

Hint 3:
Some species seal the female inside a tree cavity with mud while she nests… leaving only a tiny slit for food deliveries. 😳🍟

Hint 4:
They’re considered sacred or symbolic in many cultures and are often associated with wisdom, protection, and the spirit world. 🌀

Hint 5:
It may look prehistoric, but this species is still alive today - living deep within the rainforests of West and Central Africa. 👀🌿