The Enduring Story of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Fertility Statues
Among the many peculiar items in the vast collection of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, few have garnered as much intrigue as the legendary fertility statues. These remarkable artifacts, which joined the Ripley's collection in 1993, are known for a striking tradition surrounding them. While Ripley's Believe It or Not! offers fascinating exhibits in locations like Amsterdam, visitors hoping to see these specific statues should note that they are currently located at Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando.
A Glimpse into the Statues' Origins
The two five-foot-tall, 70-pound statues were hand-carved from ebony wood by West African Baulé tribesmen in the 1930s. According to tribal legend, these figures possessed the power to ensure a couple’s fertility if placed on either side of a bedroom doorway. The tradition states that if a person, or their partner, touched either statue upon entering the room, they would soon after become pregnant.
The male statue is depicted holding a mango and a short sword, both traditional symbols of fertility. The female figure is portrayed cradling a newborn baby.
Tales of Reported Conception and the Global Tour
Since their acquisition, thousands of individuals have reported experiencing success in conceiving after interacting with the statues. When the pair was first introduced into the Ripley's collection, a notable increase in pregnancies among Ripley's employees who had been exposed to the sculptures was observed.
To share this unique phenomenon, Ripley's sent the statues on a worldwide tour. Over 2,000 couples have shared testimonials about their experiences, with many claiming success even after merely having a photo of their hand placed upon the figures. While Ripley's does not offer guarantees regarding the statues' effects, they continue to gather and cherish these remarkable stories.
Engaging with the Legacy, Wherever You Are
For those unable to visit the statues in person in Orlando, Ripley's offers a unique way to participate in this ongoing story. Individuals can send a picture of their hand to Ripley's social media channels, including Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok, to have it symbolically placed on the sculpture, continuing the tradition from afar.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Amsterdam continues to offer its own array of incredible oddities and interactive experiences, reflecting the global spirit of curiosity that defines the brand. To explore more about unique cultural spots and attractions, including those in Amsterdam, Musemap (musemap.art) provides a curated guide. Discover other fascinating museums or browse the local map to find your next adventure.
