Click! Cannibal Confections Chocolate Vertebrae Giveaway~ 4/20

Momma Told Me: Taboo is subjective.

In high school, awkward and lost as we all are, I took a genuine interest in the macabre and peculiar rituals of outside cultures. At the time, 2002, The National Geographic had just released a cutting edge program, Taboo, which seemed to air at the most inconspicuous time slots. It had a Ripley's Believe It Or Not feel, but took a much more in depth and gritty look at the who and why behind some of the world's most unusual practices. Of course, having been raised in America, I am supposed to posses tolerance and understanding for things that may seem unusual elsewhere. In truth, I think most outside countries and cultures look inward on us and find what we deem ordinary, quite extreme. No other culture spends more time attached to electronic screens watching 'reality' that is more scripted than actual, or consumes manufactured ingredients at such an alarming rate their national weight is most often 20lbs+ over that of other cultures.  Yes, we may look at the gentleman tapping nails into his nostril and find him obscurely grotesque, but these perceptions are only molded by our own definition of 'normal'.

As unstructured, and backwards, as our most common practices may seem to outside cultures, America has one inarguable social triumph; the ability to practice and do (within most boundaries) as one wishes, without persecution. The freedom to pursue education of facts, philosophy, and culture. Which, ironically makes us feel we have the right to judge- but that is another issue in itself. Today I am here, in the spirit of October, to share with you a fiendish foodie find that is sure to raise the brows of many, repel a few, and intrigue the rest. Introducing Canadian artist and chocolatier Marina Malvada of Cannibal Confections. Pairing one of my personal favorite past-times, indulging in sweets, with arguably taboo, anatomically correct, subject matter- her Chocolate Skulls and Vertebrae have evoked equally powerful reactions through publications worldwide.

You might be surprised to learn just how down to Earth this macabre confectioner is; hardly the eccentric artist one might assume her to be. Marina is very easy to talk to, and stumbled into her profession on sheer accident when she was once given the rare opportunity to cast a plaster mold from a genuine human skull. While preparing for her artistic, and archeological, endeavor, Marina noticed there were food grade materials sold for the very same process. A blood curdling idea was born, why not cast real human skulls in solid chocolate? And not just any chocolate, of course, but the finest, smoothe, Belgian blends! In 2005 Marina brought her very first creations to a local event, the Carnival of Curiosities, where attendees were astounded by the detailed realism of her deliberately cast skulls and vertebrae. Not only were the pieces striking to behold, but a true artisan treat, melting along the palette in a blend of Belgian white and milk chocolate later dubbed "Bone Chocolate". 

Each and every ChocolateSkulls.com creation Marina is commissioned for comes from a unique human skull casting, with it's own certificate of authenticity, and is available in Semisweet, Bone, or Dark Chocolate blends. These creepy beauties are not your everyday chocolate shop seasonal specialty, a single Chocolate Skull weighs near 5.5lbs, and is made specially to order. It will set you back a cool $375 USD, plus shipping costs, making it the perfect gift for a lifetime special occasion (morbidly curious bride and groom), themed charity event, or lifetime cherished possession.  While the chocolate is entirely edible, and will certainly react to various environment elements and fluctuations, a properly cared for skull can be kept for years on end. Or, with the coming apocalypse, one might want to nibble on it for months, post human annihilation. Some may question the price point, but it's hard to forget all of the meticulous detail and one-of-a-kind classification; not to mention the pounds of highest quality Belgain Chocolate. If you're a fan of Marina's work, but don't have the dough to fork over for a Chocolate Skull, Cannibal Confections is currently mastering techniques for human vertebrae, they hope to have in the shop soon.

While I plan on circling back to pick up a Tibia in Bone Chocolate for my father's birthday, I must admit I am in awe. The sheer weight and presence of holding this meticulously cast beauty eerily life altering. In a sweet, pun intended, way, it puts things into perspective. While the macabre imagery of such a realistic human remnant may be disturbing for some, I find it eerily beautiful. I could stare at this Chocolate Skull for days and still discover new crevices and nicks; wondering who this individual was, and how their life molded this edible art before me. What will come of my skull? There are so many intriguing possibilities- I do wonder, do they ever get eaten? Who could desecrate such a work of wonder and art? I am currently looking into some charity opportunities that might help fund-raise through it's donation. One thing is sure; I will insist on showcasing this peculiar curiosity to as many people as interested and willing to view it. Marina's thought provoking pieces are jarringly striking and a true work of art! Want a skull of your own? Ask Marina about her display pieces, currently on sale for just $299!

What Daughter Says: I'm ready to take a bite into the dark side....of chocolate, that is!