Key Marco Cat

thingiverse

Meet the Key Marco Cat, a world-famous cat statuette estimated to have been created between 500 and 1,500 years ago. Discovered by anthropologist Frank Hamilton Cushing in an 1896 excavation at Key Marco, the wooden figure remained remarkably preserved due to being buried in an oxygen-free layer of muck. While many other artifacts quickly disintegrated upon exposure to air, the Key Marco Cat survived with striking detail. "Perishable artifacts, like the Key Marco Cat, are extremely rare in the archaeological record," notes Torben Rick, Chairman of the Department of Anthropology at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. "Its significance lies in the information it holds about human history, cultural diversity, and how these issues can inspire researchers and the general public." The Key Marco Cat – a half-human, half-panther figure believed to have held significant religious meaning – is the most renowned of the Pepper-Hearst artifacts. Crafted from native buttonwood using shark teeth and shell scrapers, this 6-inch figure showcases exquisite Calusa artistry and workmanship. Scientists believe that careful rubbing with animal fat left a protective patina on the figure after it was buried by a devastating hurricane in the 12th or 13th century. To learn more, visit: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/sponsored/more-9-lives-preserved-against-odds-key-marco-cat-returning-marco-island-florida-180970215 and https://www.keymarcocat.com/history.html. The Smithsonian Museum has been digitizing and publishing select exhibit pieces. These high-quality laser scans are available at: https://3d.si.edu/. This is a highly detailed 1:1 laser scan of the actual artifact, measuring 6 inches in height. It fits perfectly within my Da Vinci Jr. printer. The intricate details are stunning, with the wood grain really coming through – especially when painted. This is, without a doubt, the most beautiful thing I have printed. I printed it at .1mm resolution using white PLA. The painting was done by someone else, who applied a base coat of Paynes Grey and then dry-brushed with a mix of Norwegian Orange and Burnt Umber. Highlights were added using a mixture of Vermillion and Brown Earth (all acrylic). Link to the Model: https://3d.si.edu/model/fullscreen/p2b-1538836186278-1539117039896-0. The last photo shows the actual Key Marco Cat. Please note that the Readme file is from the Smithsonian, and I strongly recommend respecting their guidance. The models they are publishing are truly beautiful, and proper credit should be given.