Buzz
For 3D printing enthusiasts, the Smithsonian offers an exciting opportunity. Over 20 artifacts have been meticulously scanned (with additional items on the way), allowing you to download and print precise 3D replicas at home. Dubbed the end of the "do not touch" era, these models are perfect for hands-on exploration and interaction, as the Smithsonian actively encourages you to engage with them.
1. Woolly Mammoth Skeleton
The Woolly Mammoth vanished 10,000 years ago. This 3D replica is based on a composite skeleton assembled from remains discovered in Alaska in 1952. Towering at 11 feet in its prime, this ancient cousin of the African elephant can now be printed in any size your 3D printer can handle.
2. Abraham Lincoln’s Life Masks
Contrary to popular belief, no death mask was created after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Instead, two life masks were crafted during his lifetime: one at age 51 in 1860 and another at nearly 56 in 1865. These masks capture every detail of Lincoln’s face, from wrinkles to pockmarks. The second mask, created just two months before his death, starkly reveals the toll the Civil War took on his appearance.
3. Vairochana, the Cosmic Buddha
This 6th-century Chinese Buddha statue, originally life-sized, now lacks its head and hands due to historical damage. The monk’s robe is adorned with elaborate carvings depicting the Realms of Existence, a symbolic map of the Buddhist cosmos. Using laser scanning, researchers uncovered intricate details of the carvings that were believed to have eroded centuries ago. This highlights the power of 3D modeling, enabling in-depth study without risking damage to the artifact.
4. Cassiopeia A Supernova Remnant
Yes, you can even print a supernova remnant! This 3D model represents the youngest known supernova in our galaxy, which erupted 330 years ago. Situated 10,000 light years away in the Cassiopeia constellation, it’s a fascinating piece of cosmic history.
5. Dr. Livingstone’s Gun
Scottish explorer David Livingstone wasn’t known for his marksmanship. During an African expedition, he attempted to shoot a lion but missed, resulting in the lion attacking and severely injuring his left arm. Fortunately, his assistant saved him by killing the lion. While this isn’t the exact gun from that incident, this 10-gauge shotgun was buried with Livingstone when he passed away from dysentery in 1873.
6. Amelia Earhart’s Flight Suit
Amelia Earhart donned this flight suit during her historic 1932 solo flight across the Atlantic, becoming the first woman to achieve this feat. The suit, made of leather with wool lining, offered crucial protection against the freezing temperatures at 20,000 feet.
7. Pergolesi Chair
Crafted around 1785 by Italian silversmith and engraver Michelangelo Pergolesi, this side chair features an intricately carved back adorned with floral motifs and griffins. Made from polychromed and gilded wood, its ornate design draws inspiration from classical antiquity and the Renaissance artistry of Raphael. Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your dollhouse.
8. Embreea Herrenhauser Orchid
Native to Ecuador, this striking orchid emits a fragrance that male euglossine bees use to enhance their appeal to females, akin to how cologne works for humans. The Sugar Lab recreated this orchid in sugar form, which, according to Todd Blatt at Make, had a slightly chalky texture but was far more palatable than consuming an actual orchid.
9. Blue Crab
The blue crab, commonly associated with the Chesapeake Bay, inhabits a vast range stretching from Nova Scotia in the north to Uruguay in the south. Related to lobsters and shrimp, these crabs can grow up to 9 inches in length and are skilled swimmers. Prized for their flavor, the 3D model of this crab wasn’t created from a rare artifact but from specimens bought at a local seafood market.
10. Wright Flyer
The Wright Flyer holds the distinction of being the first aircraft to achieve powered flight. On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers successfully flew it four times near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Today, this historic plane is housed in the National Air and Space Museum. While the Smithsonian hasn’t released a print-ready 3D model of the Wright Flyer, enthusiasts can convert the existing digital model into a printable format using CAD software. The real question is: would it take flight?
All images courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution.
