Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingCountry Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?Like a well-made quilt, a classic farmhouse aesthetic comes together gradually—a little bit of this, a touch of that. Each addition is purposeful and personal—and isn’t that what home is all about, really? If this type of slowed-down style speaks to you, you're probably already well aware that Etsy is a treasure trove of finds both new and old to fit your timeless farmhouse aesthetic. But with more than eight million active sellers on its marketplace, sometimes the possibilities—vintage feed sacks! primitive pie safes! galvanized grain scoops!—can quickly go from enticing to overwhelming.To better guide your search for the finest farmhouse furnishings, we’ve gathered a go-to list of editor-and designer-beloved Etsy shops which, time and again, turn out hardworking, homespun pieces of heirloom quality. From beautiful antique bureaus to hand-block-printed table linens, the character-rich wares from these sellers will help you design the farmhouse of your dreams, piece by precious piece. Related Stories For Antique AmericanaAcorn and Alice Every good old-fashioned farmhouse could use some traditional Americana to set the tone, and this Pennsylvania salvage shop offers rustic touches loaded with authentic antique allure. Aged wooden wares abound (think vintage milk crates, orchard fruit baskets, and berry boxes), as well as a grab bag of cotton and burlap feed sacks, perfect for framing as sets or crafting into footstool covers or throw pillows. For French Country TextilesForest and LinenThere’s nothing quite like breezy natural fabrics to make you want to throw open all the windows and let that country air in while the pie cools. Unfussy and lightweight, the hand-crafted curtains, bedding, and table linens from these Lithuanian textile experts have a classic understated quality that would be right at home in the coziest guest room or most bustling kitchen. Warm, welcoming hues range from marigold yellow to cornflower blue, but soft gingham checkers and timeless French ticking feel especially farm-fresh. Our current favorite? These cherry-striped country cafe curtains. Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingVintage red torchons feel right at home in a farmhouse kitchenFor Rustic RugsOld New HouseWhether or not you’re lucky enough to have gorgeous wide-plank floors, an antique area rug or runner can work wonders for giving a room instant character and warmth. This fifth-generation family-run retailer specializes in importing heirloom hand-knotted carpets dating back to the 1800s, with a focus on traditional designs from the masters in Turkey, India, Persia, and more. Their vast variety of sizes and styles offers something for every aesthetic, with one-of-a-kind patterns ranging from distressed neutrals to chain-stitched florals to ornate arabesques. For Pillows and ProvisionsHabitation BohemeIn true farmhouse fashion, this Indiana shop has curated an enticing blend of handcrafted and vintage homewares that work effortlessly well together. A line of cozy hand-stitched linen pillow covers (patterned with everything from block-printed blossoms to provincial pinstripes) sits prettily alongside a mix of found objects, from patinated brass candlesticks and etched cloisonné vases to sturdy stoneware crockery and woven wicker baskets. For Elegant Everyday DishwareConvivial ProductionSimple, yet undeniably stunning, the handcrafted dinnerware from this Missouri-based ceramist is designed with durability in mind. Produced in a single, time-tested shade of ivory white glaze, these practical stoneware cups, bowls, and plates make the perfect place settings for lively farm-to-table feasts with friends and family. Beautifully balancing softness and heft, each dish is meant to feel comfortable when being held and passed, but also to look attractive when stacked upon open shelving. For English Country Antiques1100 West Co.This Illinois antiques shop is stocked with all manner of versatile vintage vessels culled from the English countryside, from massive stoneware crocks to charming little escargot pots. Their collection of neutral containers can be adapted for nearly any provincial purpose (envision white ironstone pitchers piled high with fresh-picked hyacinths, or glass canning jars holding your harvest grains), but we especially love their assortment of old advertising—from toothpaste pots to marmalade jars and ginger beer bottles galore—for a nice little nod to the quintessential country practice of repurposing what you’ve got. Brian Woodcock/Country LivingPretty English ironstone will always have our heart.For a Cozy GlowOlde Brick LightingConstructed by hand from cord to shade, the vintage-inspired lighting produced by this Pennsylvania retailer is a tribute to the iconic quality and character of old American fixtures. Nostalgic design elements include hand-blown glass (crafted using cast-iron molds from over 80 years ago) and finishes ranging from matte black to brushed nickel and antique brass. To create an authentic farmhouse ambiance, check out their gooseneck sconces, enameled red and blue barn lights, and milky white striped schoolhouse flush mounts. For Enduring ArtifactsThrough the PortholeThe weathered, artisan-made wares curated by this California husband-and-wife duo have been hand-selected from around the globe for their time-etched character. From gorgeous gray-black terracotta vases and rust-colored Turkish clay pots to patinated brass cow bells and rustic reclaimed elm stools, each item is a testament to the lasting beauty of classic materials, with storied sun-bleaching and scratches befitting the most beloved, lived-in rooms. For Winsome Wall ArtEugenia Ciotola ArtThrough graceful brushstrokes and textural swirls of paint, Maryland-based artist Eugenia Ciotola has captured the natural joy of a life that’s simple and sweet. Her pieces celebrate quiet scenes of bucolic beauty, from billowing bouquets of peonies to stoic red barns sitting in fields of wavy green. For a parlor gallery or gathering space, we gravitate toward her original oils on canvas—an impasto still life, perhaps, or a plainly frocked maiden carrying a bountiful bowl of lemons—while her stately farm animal portraits (regal roosters! ruff collared geese!) would look lovely in a child’s nursery.For Time-Tested Storage SolutionsMaterials DivisionFunction is forefront for this farmhouse supplier operating out of New York, whose specialized selection of vintage provisions have lived out dutiful lives of purpose. Standouts include a curated offering of trusty antique tool boxes and sturdy steel-clad trunks whose rugged patina tells the story of many-a household project. Meanwhile, a hardworking mix of industrial wire and woven wood gathering baskets sits handsomely alongside heavy-duty galvanized garbage bins and antique fireplace andirons.For Pastoral PrimitivesComfort Work RoomFull of history and heritage, the old, hand-fabricated furnishings and primitive wooden tools in this unique Ukrainian antique shop are rural remnants of simpler times gone by. Quaint kitchen staples like chippy chiseled spoons, scoops, and cutting boards make an accessible entry point for the casual collector, while scuffed up dough troughs, butter churns, washboards, and barrels are highly desirable conversation pieces for any antique enthusiast who’s dedicated to authentic detail. Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingAntique washboards make for on-theme wall art in a laundry roomFor Heirloom-Quality CoverletsBluegrass QuiltsNo layered farmhouse look would be complete without the homey, tactile touch of a hand-pieced quilt or two draped intentionally about the room. From harvest-hued sawtooth stars to playful patchwork pinwheels, each exquisite blanket from this Kentucky-based artisan is slow-crafted in traditional fashion from 100% cotton materials, and can even be custom stitched from scratch to match your personal color palette and decorative purpose. For a classic country aesthetic, try a log cabin, double diamond, or star patch pattern. For Hand-Crafted GiftsSelselaFeaturing a busy barnyard’s worth of plucky chickens, cuddly sheep, and happy little Holstein cows, this Illinois woodworker’s whimsical line of farm figurines and other giftable goodies (think animal wine stoppers, keychains, fridge magnets, and cake toppers) is chock-full of hand-carved charm. Crafted from 100% recycled birch and painted in loving detail, each creature has a deliberately rough-hewn look and feel worthy of any cozy and collected home. For Open-Concept CabinetryFolkhausA hallmark of many modern farmhouses, open-concept shelving has become a stylish way to show that the practical wares you use everyday are the same ones you’re proud to put on display. With their signature line of bracketed wall shelves, Shaker-style peg shelves, and raw steel kitchen rails, the team at Folkhaus has created a range of open storage solutions that beautifully balances elevated design and rustic utility. Rounding out their collection is a selection of open-shelved accent pieces like bookcases, benches, and console tables—each crafted from character-rich kiln-dried timber and finished in your choice of stain.Related StoryFor Antique Farmhouse FurnitureCottage Treasures LVThe foundation of a well-furnished farmhouse often begins with a single prized piece. Whether it’s a slant-front desk, a primitive jelly cabinet, or a punched-tin pie safe, this established New York-based dealer has a knack for sourcing vintage treasures with the personality and presence to anchor an entire space. Distressed cupboards and cabinets may be their bread and butter (just look at this two-piece pine hutch!) but you’ll also find a robust roundup of weathered farm tables, Windsor chairs, and blanket chests—and currently, even a rare 1500s English bench. For Lively Table LinensMoontea StudioAs any devotee of slow decorating knows, sometimes it’s the little details that really bring a look home. For a spot of cheer along with your afternoon tea, we love the hand-stamped table linens from this Washington-based printmaker, which put a peppy, modern spin on farm-fresh produce. Patterned with lush illustrations of bright red tomatoes, crisp green apples, and golden sunflowers—then neatly finished with a color-coordinated hand-stitched trim—each tea towel, placemat, and napkin pays homage to the hours we spend doting over our gardens. For Traditional TransferwarePrior TimeThere’s lots to love about this Massachusetts antiques shop, which admittedly skews slightly cottagecore (the pink Baccarat perfume bottles! the hobnail milk glass vases! the huge primitive bread boards!) but the standout, for us, is the seller’s superior selection of dinner and serving ware. In addition to a lovely lot of mottled white ironstone platters and pitchers, you’ll find a curated mix of Ridgeway and Wedgwood transferware dishes in not only classic cobalt blue, but beautiful browns, greens, and purples, too.Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingPretty brown transferware could be yours with one quick "add to cart."For Folk Art for Your FloorsKinFolk ArtworkDesigned by a West Virginia watercolor and oils artist with a penchant for painting the past, these silky chenille floor mats feature an original cast of colonial characters and folksy scenes modeled after heirloom textiles from the 18th and 19th centuries. Expect lots of early American and patriotic motifs, including old-fashioned flags, Pennsylvania Dutch fraktur, equestrian vignettes, and colonial house samplers—each made to mimic a vintage hooked rug for that cozy, homespun feeling. (We have to admit, the folk art-inspired cow and chicken is our favorite.)For Historical ReproductionsSchooner Bay Co.Even in the most painstakingly appointed interior, buying antique originals isn’t always an option (don’t ask how many times we’ve been outbid at an estate auction). And that’s where this trusted Pennsylvania-based retailer for historical reproductions comes in. Offering a colossal collection of framed art prints, decorative trays, and brass objects (think magnifying glasses, compasses, paperweights, and letter openers), these connoisseurs of the classics have decor for every old-timey aesthetic, whether it’s fox hunt prints for your cabin, Dutch landscapes for your cottage, or primitive animal portraits for your farmstead.For General Store StaplesFarmhouse EclecticsHand-plucked from New England antique shops, estate sales, and auctions, the salvaged sundries from this Massachusetts-based supplier (who grew up in an 1850s farmhouse himself) are the type you might spy in an old country store—wooden crates emblazoned with the names of local dairies, antique apple baskets, seed displays, signs, and scales. Whether you’re setting up your farmstand or styling your entryway, you’ll have plenty of storage options and authentic accents to pick from here. Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingSo many food scales, so little time.Related StoriesJackie BuddieJackie Buddie is a freelance writer with more than a decade of editorial experience covering lifestyle topics including home decor how-tos, fashion trend deep dives, seasonal gift guides, and in-depth profiles of artists and creatives around the globe. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her M.F.A. in creative writing from Boston University. Jackie is, among other things, a collector of curiosities, Catskills land caretaker, dabbling DIYer, day hiker, and mom. She lives in the hills of Bovina, New York, with her family and her sweet-as-pie rescue dog.

It's no secret that we love a good gallery wall around here. Whether packed with paint-by-numbers, a grouping of salty seascapes, or an expanse of black-and-white silhouettes collected over time, gallery walls bring so much character to any room in your home. One type of gallery wall that particularly makes our hearts skip a beat is an arrangement that incorporates unexpected objects, giving a little wink into your design personality. Maybe it's a graphic game board you scored at a yard sale or three-dimensional finds like trophies, baskets, and other meaningful items that you collect. While square or rectangle framed photographs and artwork are common gallery wall ideas, consider objects outside the literal box to bring individuality and charm, adding visual interest that breaks the grid in the best way.Here, some of our favorite images of gallery walls that feature unique decor items to instantly elevate your own—and not a one of them is another frame or canvas. PedestalsPainted the same punchy color as the wall, a pair of pedestals displays trophies and figurines on a dog-themed gallery wall. Other objects of note: ribbons, brass instruments, and a saucer painted with a hunting scene. BasketsHelen Norman for Country LivingAdd texture and another shape to a gallery wall with baskets, like this set of vintage French ones. Here, the pieces frame a television in a family room.More Ways to Decorate Your Walls:Nautical-Themed ItemsRead McKendree for Country LivingIn this camp-themed boys’ bedroom, the gallery wall is made up of framed art with a sprinkling of nautical-themed items including flags, an anchor, and a pair of mounted oars. These items introduce different finishes, materials, color, and a strong sense of place.PlatesBuff Strickland for Country LivingA charming arrangement of Spode, Wedgwood, and other blue-and-white china mixed with handsome pewter trays perfectly fills a skinny wall area between dining room windows. This proves there is power in numbers! TOUR THIS HOUSEmore dining room decorating ideasPennants Dylan ChandlerAmong a sea of mostly square- and rectangle-shaped items like license plates, framed silhouettes, and signs, a vintage pennant breaks the grid. Above, a round sepia wedding photograph does the same. Game Boards and PaddlesAdam Albright, styling by Kelly Ryan KegansThis is hands down one of the most creative gallery walls we've ever seen. In this cozy breakfast nook, a collection of thrifted finds fills every bit of wall space. Featured items include game boards, paddles, and nautical knickknacks bring dimension and interesting shapes. The tight color palette keeps the arrangement looking intentional and stylish.TOUR THIS HOUSE For More Breakfast Nook Ideas:Antlers and MountsMax Kim-BeeThis gallery wall mix includes a little bit of everything. Framed and unframed silhouettes and oil paintings surround a gold-framed mirror. The entire arrangement is topped off with a majestic 1920s deer mount. Small mounted antlers are another way to add a nod to nature, as well as dimension.TOUR THIS HOUSEAmy MitchellManaging EditorAmy Mitchell is the managing editor for VERANDA and Country Living, where she writes articles on a variety of topics—decorating and design, gardens, and holidays. Amy’s experience in the shelter magazine category spans more than 20 years, as she’s previously held positions at Coastal Living and Cottage Living. Her personal pursuits include cooking, gardening, and hunting her favorite tag sale spots for the next piece of Pyrex for her prized collection.

Moving is famously one of the most stressful things you can do. Not only is it a ton of work and a major financial expense, but you're dealing with the weight of leaving behind one home and starting fresh in another. It's a burden on your calendar, your wallet, and your emotions. Whether you are relocating for a new job, moving in with a partner (or moving away from one after a breakup), or just need a change of scenery, you should take the opportunity to appreciate (if not relish) the momentous event—and not be filled with dread, stress, and regret throughout the process. If you're looking to pull off the smoothest, least painful move ever, follow these five essential steps, as outlined by experts in the moving business.1. Start planning as early as possibleLong before you put a single possession into a cardboard box, you have to plan out your move. And I really mean it—every aspect. This is more involved than you think, so start early and set aside a chunk of time. Shanaiqua D'Sa, a content marketing lead at Attic Self Storage, notes that planning ahead is, "undoubtedly the first and most important step." It should include budgeting, comparing moving companies, considering if you need a storage unit to temporarily house your stuff, acquiring packing materials, and more. Set a budgetBudgeting should be your main focus. This can include: A truck rental or a moving company, insurance, fuel, labor costs, packing supplies, overlapping rent or mortgage payments, a storage unit, utility transfers, cleaning fees, repairs (on the old or new property), and paying food and/or shelter during the move. Costs for all of these will vary depending on your needs, so spend some time sketching out different scenarios. Once you have a budget in mind, increase it by 10% to 15%, according to Rob Rimeris, owner of EverSafe Moving Co. "Build room for the unpredictable," he says. "We see a lot of people plan for truck and labor, but forget about costs that compound." Be realistic, and you'll avoid surprises. Nick Friedman, co-founder of College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving, advises, "The more labor you require, the higher your overall cost will be. For local moves, many companies offer flat rates based on time and labor, but it’s important to make sure those quotes match your actual needs. Opting for too many services can lead to overpaying, while too few may leave you scrambling on moving day." Start by figuring out what, if anything, you will handle yourself, and what you'll outsource. Moving companies can help with everything from packing to furniture disassembly, but each likely comes with additional costs. Define what you want before you start calling companies to avoid getting upsold on something you don't really need help with.Find the right moversThat leads me to your next step, which is researching moving companies. Marshall Aikman, owner of Amazing Moves Moving and Storage, advises prioritizing reliability and reputation as highly as price: "Pay attention to how long the company has been in business because solid experience usually means smoother operations."Call a number of places and be upfront about everything from the scope of your move, to any special considerations like unusually heavy furniture, tight hallways, or lots of stairs. Get multiple estimates, and get everything in writing. Ask for detailed cost breakdowns to find out whether gas, stairs, furniture wrapping, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and more will increase your costs. Once you've narrowed down your list of possibilities, ask for proof of licensing and insurance, advises Friedman. If a company won't be straightforward about answering your questions and providing you with paperwork, cross them off your list. Matt Graber, co-owner of Cool Hand Movers, cautions against being "drawn in by lowball pricing," too. Any quote that seems "too good to be true" almost certainly is. Avoid companies with excessive upfront deposits—usually anything over 25% of the total cost—and read a ton of customer reviews before signing any contracts. 2. Declutter before you move (or pack)Multiple pros I spoke to made the same point, and it's worth repeating here: Declutter before your move so you don't waste money moving things you don't need or want to keep. (Here's a more detailed breakdown of how and why to declutter before a move) In general, you should start this process a few weeks in advance of your move. Three or so weeks at least ensures that you have enough time to think about what you really need to keep, and to donate or sell what you don't. If something is broken or rarely used, consider leaving it behind as you move into a new phase of your life. A few weeks will give you time to actually list and sell things to make money for your move, but set a deadline for when you'll donate the remainder—you don't want junk lying around when the movers show up. This could come with additional expenses. D'Sa points out that if you're downsizing significantly, you may have to budget for a small dumpster for everything you need to throw away. Still, it's worth it: All of my experts agreed that decluttering is the single most effective way to save money and psychologically prepare for your move. You'll also get a head start on packing simply by getting a clearer picture of everything you own. 3. Pack like a pro, even if you can't pay for itLike planning and decluttering, packing will start weeks before you move. I realize that's not always possible, but do try to start as soon as you can. Waiting until a few days before—or worse, the day the movers show up—can lead to chaos. Movers can help you pack, but that's typically expensive. Evan Hock, co-founder of MakeMyMove, cautions, "Packing always takes longer than expected, so start early, especially with seasonal items or belongings you don't use daily." While you can likely score some free boxes from local businesses, it's a good idea to just buy them (you can usually find the best prices at big box hardware stores). Rimeris suggests purchasing high-quality tape, "markers you can actually read," and strong boxes, all of which are "worth every penny." Mindy Godding, president of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, advises buying all your boxes so they're all similar shapes and sizes and will pack more easily. You can cut down your costs on protective supplies, Godding says, noting packing paper works just as well as bubble wrap or pre-made inserts when it comes to protecting your fragile items. Renting crates can save you some effort, at a costIf you don't want to buy boxes, you can consider renting reusable plastic crates. A number of companies, both local and national, will deliver these crates to you before you move and pick them up when you're done. They're sturdier than cardboard boxes, stackable, uniform, and returnable, so they make packing easy. Uhaul, RentalCrates.com, and Perfect Crates all offer this service, so compare prices for your exact needs. Get creativeGodding suggests placing plastic cups around delicate items like figurines, and clearly labeling any boxes with something breakable inside. Shannon Beller, CEO and co-founder of Wall-Russ, adds that you can use household materials like towels and linens to cushion delicate items as you pack, and Tiam Behdarvandan, founder of Let's Get Moving, suggests packing heavier things, like books, into rolling suitcases, since the wheels make it easier to haul them around. Photos are your friend during this porcess. Take photos of your boxes as you pack so you know what's in each box if you should need something in an emergency. Also take pictures of things like cable configurations behind the TV, so setting everything back up will be easier.Beller and Charles Chica, co-owners of CT Best Movers, recommend keeping your clothes on the hangers and tossing a garbage bag over them. When you get to the new house, cut a hole in the bag, thread the hangers through, slip them on the rod, then cut the bag off. (Here are more tips on how to pack in a way that makes it easier to unpack.)Have a systemPack room by room, and within each room, proceeding in terms of urgency, and designate one box of "essentials" from each. These boxes—which will contain things like toothbrushes, soap, pajamas, and coffee pots, plates and silverware, and anything else you might need in the first days at your new home—should be loaded into the moving van last, unloaded first, and opened on your first night there. Making sure your boxes of must-haves are easily accessible will make settling in a lot easier. (Keep a knife or scissors handy so you can actually open them.)4. Do what you need to do online before you moveIt's eay to get so wrapped up in the physical process of moving your possessions from one place to another that you can forget about what comes next: Living somewhere new. Especially if you're moving to a new town, you will have to check a bunch of boxes to get your new life up and running.A lot of these things can be handled online, so do your research and accomplish as much as you can before your move. Start by making a list of all the different things to deal with at your current address. You may need to make some repairs to get your security deposit back if you're a renter. Take stock of your bills and memberships: cancel your gym membership and any other local recurring charges, like public transit cards that auto-renew. Set up a mail forwarding so you will get any mail that comes to your old place. Cancel your utilities. Reach out to your doctor, dentist, optometrist, and other providers to find out if they can make referrals for you in your new area and provide copies of all your important records and documents. Forward your prescriptions to a new pharmacy. Now, shift focus to your new location. Set up your utilities and the online accounts you'll need to pay them, switch your driver's license information if necessary, research the deadlines for re-registering your car, and contact your insurer (hopefully your new area will have lower rates). You can even start looking for local doctors, dentists, or any other professionals you'll need to avail yourself of in the short term after you move.5. Stay on top of things the day ofThe last step is the big one: It's time to move. Even this part still comes down to planning and budgeting. Jordan Sakala of laborhutt.com suggests moving during the week and mid-month, when demand is lower, and making sure you're ready and packed before the movers arrive. If you're not ready when they pull up, you could get charged an hourly fee while they either wait around for you or jump in to help speed things along. Make sure to tell movers about heavy furniture or tight squeezes in advance so they come with all the necessary tools, as if you don't, you may end up waiting around (and being charged for it) while they run to get them—or, worse, be told they can't move those things at all. On moving day, even if you've hired a full-service moving team and outsourced pretty much everything, it's a good idea to stick around and supervise so you can answer any last-minute questions. There are some things movers won't touch, so it will be your responsibility to coordinate their transport. Get a written list of what your company won't deal with in advance, but in general, expect to take care of your own jewelry, delicate valuables, identifying documents, medical papers and medications, hazardous materials, plants, and pets. Before walking out your door for the last time, check the place over, and make sure you know exactly where the "essentials" boxes you packed are. Once they're all accounted for, get on the road to your new home—hopefully feeling excited, instead of frazzled and exhausted.

The New York Times published an article this week with a strange and bigoted claim about Asian women.The claim came when the newspaper reported, in line with the industry consensus, that for Apple to move any serious amount of iPhone production to the United States from Asia would result in making its gadgets prohibitively expensive.That's true, for reasons ranging from the United States' lack of specialized manufacturing equipment to its lack of properly trained workers. But alongside those reality-based issues, the NYT decided to throw in some bizarre race science."Young Chinese women have small fingers," the article reads, "and that has made them a valuable contributor to iPhone production because they are more nimble at installing screws and other miniature parts in the small device, supply chain experts said."For one thing, it's not even clear that the claim that Chinese women have small fingers is even true. Research on global hand size is lacking, but one study found that the average Chinese person has a hand size approximately equal to that of the average German. An analysis of hand size around the world, though it didn't include China, found that even the largest average differences in women's hand size between countries was negligible.And even if it was true, there doesn't seem to be a lick of evidence — or, for that matter, even anyone online making the claim — that small hands are preferable for manufacturing small devices. The closest thing we could find was a paper that found that surgeons with smaller hands actually had a harder time manipulating dextrous operating tools, which would seem to contradict the NYT's claim that small hands are an advantage for small specialized movements.Unsurprisingly, the NYT's bigoted claim went viral. One particularly compelling counterargument that emerged there: the smartphone repair technicians who engage in microsoldering fixes for broken iPhones are often men, and their larger fingers don't seem to be causing any issues."My favorite part is that [there are] adult men, in America, that do iPhone repair, and they often do repair tasks much more intricate than what assembly requires," one user noted. "Like nobody even thought about this for a second."Sarah Jeong, an editor at The Verge whose outrage at the NYT's assertion helped propel it to virality, pointed out that men do all kinds of skillful tasks on a tiny scale — such as for Warhammer 40K and other role-playing games that require users to hand-paint tabletop minifigurines."Grown ass men with sausage fingers are also out there painting tiny dolls using nail art brushes so they can play house... with their friends," Jeong joked. "American men have plenty of manual dexterity."Julia Carrie Wong, a senior reporter at The Guardian who also blasted the wild take, revealed that she emailed the newspaper to give them a piece of her mind. In response, a communications director there told her that the NYT "does not make racial or genetic generalizations" and was simply "[citing] experts who have experience with the industrial process in US and Chinese factories."That's a pretty wild claim even on its face: that the NYT is publishing race science based on anonymous experts.It also raises an ugly possibility: that the newspaper's use of the word "young" to describe the Chinese women working in Apple factories was supposed to insinuate something dark. Apple has a long history of getting caught employing child labor at its factories, who actually would have smaller fingers because they were minors — so it could be, whether the NYT understood it or not, that its "experts" were simply winking at the reality that it's hard to build affordable gadgets in a country with robust labor rights.Share This Article

Start SlideshowStart SlideshowScreenshot: Cilvanis / YouTube, Naughty Dog / Kotaku, Ubisoft / Kotaku, Epic / Lucasfilm / Kotaku, Image: Atlus, Wizkids / Reddit / Larian Studios, The Pokémon Company / Kotaku, CD Projekt RED, Sandfall Interactive, GameStop / KotakuThis week saw Fortnite targeted by SAG-AFTRA for its use of an AI-powered Darth Vader voice that mimics that of the late James Earl Jones. Also, the folks behind Assassin’s Creed Shadows told us why they opted not to let you kill animals in the open-world adventure, fans of Clair Obscur react to the trollish behavior of the game’s enemies, and Neil Druckmann is once again explaining stuff about the world of The Last of Us that some fans, at least—our writer included--think would be better left ambiguous.Previous SlideNext SlideList slidesPlayers Are Obsessed With How Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Enemies Keep Trolling ThemScreenshot: Cilvanis / YouTubeOne of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's big innovations is adding a dodge, parry, and counter system to its otherwise traditional turn-based battles. It’s a clever tweak that helps keep combat engrossing for its 30+ hour journey and also an incredible opportunity for the game’s developers to troll the crap out of players. - Ethan Gach Read MorePrevious SlideNext SlideList slidesI Wish Neil Druckmann Would Stop Confirming Things About The Last Of UsScreenshot: Naughty Dog / KotakuYou might not know it based on my scathing recaps of The Last of Us’ second season, but I love this series. I love the moral conundrums it presents, the violent grief it depicts, and the games’ excellent writing that poignantly brings all of those complicated emotions to the surface. What I don’t like is listening to pretty much any of the creative team talk about the series, especially when it comes to weighing in on decade-long discourse around its complex storylines. Even when I agree with series director Neil Druckmann’s interpretation of something, we’d all rather he just let bad readings fester in the corners of the internet than tell us exactly what something means. Nevertheless, he continues to do so in interviews. - Kenneth Shepard Read MorePrevious SlideNext SlideList slidesUbisoft Explains Why You Can’t Kill Animals In Assassin’s Creed ShadowsScreenshot: Ubisoft / KotakuAssassin’s Creed Shadows is a very good game that animal lovers can enjoy because there’s no way to harm a single creature in the game (except for people, of course). That’s a first for the franchise and I wanted to learn why Ubisoft went this route for its latest open-world adventure. - Zack Zwiezen Read MorePrevious SlideNext SlideList slidesXbox Game Pass Is Getting Too Many Cool Games This MonthImage: AtlusXbox Game Pass has been killing it this year and May is especially packed. The subscription library is getting a load of cool indies as well as 2024 GOTY contender Metaphor: ReFantazio. That’s on top of all of the heavy hitters that already arrived earlier in the month. There is, quiet simply, no time to play them all. - Ethan Gach Read MorePrevious SlideNext SlideList slidesBaldur’s Gate 3 Figures Are So Ugly Fans Are Getting Full RefundsImage: Wizkids / Reddit / Larian Studios WizKids announced a new collection of Baldur’s Gate 3 miniatures last fall that featured Karlach, Gale, Shadowheart, and other memorably party members from the hit 2023 Dungeon & Dragons-based RPG. The $50 box set has since been released and the figurines look so bad fans are being promised their money back. - Ethan Gach Read MorePrevious SlideNext SlideList slidesThere’s Something Very Suspicious About These New Pokémon PlushiesImage: The Pokémon Company / KotakuRefreshing the Pokémon Center to see what new items have been added each day has become something of an obsession for me. The site adds new stock so incredibly frequently as to be constantly astonishing, and today is no different. The latest arrivals on the store are a new collection of plushies that feature Ditto in 22 new disguises. And they are adorable. - John Walker Read MorePrevious SlideNext SlideList slidesFortnite In Legal Trouble After Adding AI Darth VaderScreenshot: Epic / Lucasfilm / KotakuSAG-AFTRA, the massive actors and media union with over 160,000 members, has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board against Epic Games over its inclusion of an AI-powered Darth Vader in a recent Fortnite update. - Zack Zwiezen Read MorePrevious SlideNext SlideList slidesCyberpunk 2077’s Sequel Will Return To Night City, As Well As Take Us Somewhere NewImage: CD Projekt REDWe still don’t know much about the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel currently in the works at CD Projekt Red. Development on the RPG, code-named “Orion,” is in full swing after the studio wrapped support for the original game last year, but the team is still keeping most details about it under wraps, other than a few informal quotes here and there about the vibe it’s trying to capture. However, Mike Pondsmith, the creator of the Cyberpunk tabletop roleplaying game, which first debuted in 1988, has revealed a pretty important piece of information: Alongside returning to the capitalist hellscape of Night City, the sequel will take us to another city as well. - Kenneth Shepard Read MorePrevious SlideNext SlideList slidesClair Obscur: Expedition 33 Promises Fresh Round Of Collector’s Editions As Originals Resell For Over $800Image: Sandfall InteractiveRPG fans love their Collector’s Editions, but few guessed just how big or good Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 would turn out to be, including its own developers. The result was that a very limited set of physical releases, including Collector’s Editions exclusive to certain retailers, immediately vanished from store shelves. People are now trying to resell them for as much as $1,500 on eBay, but fortunately developer Sandfall Interactive has just announced it’s making more. - Ethan Gach Read MorePrevious SlideNext SlideList slidesGameStop Is Selling A Ton Of Big Games For Just $15Image: GameStop / KotakuGameStop must be trying to clear out some space, because the national video game retailer is selling a huge assortment of AAA games, remakes, and recent releases for $15 and $30 as part of a new sale. So why not take advantage of this corporate clean-up and grab some big games for less than half the normal price? - Zack Zwiezen Read More

Nanoleaf Expo Smart LED Display Case Smarter Kit$270$30010% off$270A proper collection deserves a proper showcase, which is where Nanoleaf’s smart LED cases come in. Each reactive, stackable box can display tunable white lighting and up to 16 million hues, allowing you to bathe your shoes, figurines, and other items in whatever colors you see fit. And because it’s Nanoleaf, you’ll even be able to access the same smart features as the company’s bulbs.$270 at Amazon$270 at Nanoleaf$35Who needs a Ruggable or a pricey Tibetan rug when you can get one emblazoned with Sora, Sonic, or a dual-wielding Master Chief? RugsRat’s circular rugs are soft, durable, and pay homage to video game series new and old. That includes classics like Halo 2 and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, as well as newer releases such as Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077. Hell, you can even design your own.$35 at RugsRat$60Whether they’re outfitting their dorm room or an apartment, Ikea’s Skådis Pegboard Combination offers grads a sleek, space-saving way to stay organized. The spacious board comes with a set of containers, hooks, clips, and a shelf, all of which are perfect for neatly displaying everything from keys and sticky notes to cables, pens, and other accessories.$60 at Ikea$100Now that the school year is officially over, your giftee likely has a lot more time to binge. For that, we recommend the Google TV Streamer 4K, which boasts onboard Google Assistant, easy-to-use smart home controls, and the best interface of any streaming device available. The set-top box even features a handy button for pinging the remote, giving it an edge over your couch.Apple iPad (11th-gen)$299$34914% off$299With its spacious 11-inch display, Apple’s latest iPad makes it easy to dive into studying or unwind with your favorite TV shows. It delivers snappy performance courtesy of Apple’s A16 chip, letting you off emails, take notes, or binge-watch to your heart’s content. Plus, it has a solid front-facing camera this time, ensuring you can video call and stay in touch with loved ones back home with ease.Beats Pill speaker$100$15033% off$100Portable and powerful, the latest Beats Pill offers good sound and IP67 dust and water resistance, making it ideal for beach days or study sessions. It’s also packed with features geared toward grads on the go, including a speakerphone for hands-free calls and a USB-C port for charging other devices. It even supports Find My / Find My Device support on both iOS and Android, so they won’t have to worry about losing it.Looking Glass Go$299$299If they’re feeling homesick, the 6-inch Looking Glass Go can bring photos of family and friends to life like no ordinary picture frame can. Just upload an image from any iOS or Android device, and the app will transform it into a high-resolution hologram with the help of AI. You can even share your 3D pictures with loved ones, making it a meaningful way to stay connected from afar.$299 at Looking Glass$46A personalized hometown puzzle is the kind of gift that hits the sweet spot in terms of nostalgia. The 400-piece jigsaw puzzles encapsulate a 6 x 4-mile coverage area with a given address at the center, and because they’re based on USGS mapping, each shows roads, waterways, vegetation, transit, and other geographical tidbits your giftee should be all too familiar with.$46 at AmazonAway The Carry-On$234$27515% off$234Whether you intend to use it for work trips or weekend getaways with friends, the Carry-On is a sleek, durable suitcase that makes travel easier. It’s packed with thoughtful touches — including a TSA-approved lock, 360-degree wheels, and a separate laundry bag — and it’s small enough to fit in most overhead bins yet spacious enough that you should have no trouble stowing everything you need for a three-day jaunt.$234 at Away$275 at AmazonAnker Charging Station (7-in-1, 100W)$40$5020% off$40A cluttered desk can make it hard to concentrate, which is why Anker’s 7-in-1 charging station is a great gift for grads. The 100W hub features a pair of USB-C and USB-A ports on the front and three AC outlets on the back, making it easy to power a 16-inch MacBook Pro, table lamp, phone, and other gadgets while keeping a tidy workspace.$40 at Amazon$40 at Anker (with code WS7DV2FFTMLH)Hoto Hand Tool Set$50$6017% off$50Hoto’s electric screwdrivers are a mainstay at The Verge, and the company’s Hand Tool Set is just as eye-catching. All of the included components, from the needlenose pliers and claw hammer to the textured carrying case, showcase a handsome minimalist design that’s far more attractive than the usual white-label fare. It makes for an attractive starter kit, if nothing else.$20Classic team-based games like Codenames offer a good opportunity to break the ice with new schoolmates, whether you’re living with them or just linking up on the quad. The collaborative game charges two so-called “spymasters” with connecting a series of seemingly unrelated cards via a one-word clue, which their teammates must then uncover before the opposing team. It’s simple to learn but tough to master.13-inch MacBook Air (2025)$892$99911% off$892Many high school grads don’t have the budget for a new laptop, which is why gifting them one of the best is something they’ll appreciate. Apple’s M4 MacBook Air deftly balances performance and battery life, culminating in a 13-inch machine that’s as suitable for streaming as it is banging out that first-year composition paper.Cuisinart PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle$100$13023% off$100Cuisinart’s cordless, 1,500W electric kettle lets you dial in the right temperature for whatever you’re drinking, be it coffee, a nice oolong, or a dorm room staple like instant ramen (no judgment here). The speedy stainless-steel kettle is loaded with six preset temps and an auto-shutoff timer, too, rendering it ideal for busy grads who always have to jet.The Last Lecture$11$11The Last Lecture captures the moving wisdom that Randy Pausch, a professor and former computer scientist, shared with his students following his cancer diagnosis cancer in ’06. His inspiring words encourage readers to reflect on what truly matters and the kind of legacy they hope to leave behind, making it a thoughtful guide for any graduate trying to figure out their next steps in life.Anker Laptop Power Bank$115$13515% off$115The Anker Laptop Power Bank is a lifesaver for anyone who works or studies on the go. With an impressive 25,000mAh capacity and 165W total output, it can quickly charge a beefy MacBook Pro to 50 percent capacity in just 30 minutes. Plus, with three USB-C ports and a USB-A port, you can power multiple devices at once, including phones, tablets, and handheld consoles.Apple AirTag$25$2914% off$25Whether they’re planning to take a well-earned vacation or just prone to losing things, an AirTag is a smart, stress-saving gift for any grad. The UWB Bluetooth trackers tap into Apple’s vast Find My network, letting you keep an eye out and quickly recover lost luggage, keys, passports, and other items using little more than a quick glance at your iPhone.Pantone Ceramic Bowls$116$12910% off$116Pantone’s vibrant, color-coded ceramic bowls provide a simple way to brighten up any kitchen cabinet… or bowl of Cap’n Crunch. The six sturdy, 5.75-inch bowls are also dishwasher-safe, making them suitable for everything from soup to messy study snacks.$116 at MoMA Design Store (members)$129 at MoMA Design Store (non-members)Kalita Wave 185 Dripper$21$3946% off$21The Kalita Wave 185 Dripper might be the only thing that gets your college-bound grad through linguistics or ochem. It brews a rich, full cup of pour-over coffee using wave filters and a flat-bottom, three-hold design, which makes it the perfect companion for pulling all-nighters when the nearest cafe is closed.Kobo Elipsa 2E$389$4003% off$389The Kobo Elipsa 2E isn’t just an e-reader — it’s the ideal study companion for grads heading to college or grad school. Its sizable 10.3-inch screen and included stylus makes annotating a breeze, while its ability to convert handwritten notes into typed text and solve math equations renders it an even more valuable tool for studying.$389 at Amazon$400 at Rakuten KoboNintendo Switch 2$449$449The Switch 2 could make for a stellar gift for any grad — that is, if you can manage to preorder one ahead of the console’s arrival on June 5th. Nintendo’s latest hybrid console packs a larger 7.9-inch 1080p display, magnetic Joy-Con controllers, and a host of other minor but welcome improvements that build upon what was already a winning formula.$15If you want to gift your grad a less traditional bouquet, Lovepop’s latest Black-Eyed Susan Bouquet could be a great alternative. The vibrant laser-cut flowers can add a pop of color to any new space and come packaged with a tuck-away card, which you can either fill out at home or personalize at checkout.$15 at Amazon$15 at LovepopSkullcandy Method 360 ANC$100$13023% off$100The Skullcandy Method 360 ANC are basically a pair of Bose earbuds in disguise, which isn’t a bad thing. They offer well-balanced sound, great features, and a comfortable fit that effectively blocks out unwanted noise, much more so than previous Skullcandy offerings. I guess that’s what you get when you license technology and audio tuning from Bose.Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (12-inch)$25$3017% off$25Everyone could use a good pan to cook their meals. With a Lodge skillet, your graduate can sear, sauté, bake, broil, braise, and fry all kinds of foods for years to come. Not only does the hardy 12-inch pan offer terrific heat distribution and retention, but it’s also safe to use in the oven or over an open fire. The included silicone handle is just an added plus that lets you ditch the oven mitts.Cotopaxi Nido Accessory Bag$34$4524% off$34Cotopaxi’s Nido Accessory Bag pairs wonderfully with work trips, road trips, and trips to a shared bathroom (hello, dorm life). The durable Dopp kit is great for holding both toiletries and tech accessories thanks to its zippered pocket and a bevy of small storage compartments, all of which let you store your essentials neatly in place.Circa Leather Discbound Notebook$99$13024% off$99Circa’s leather notebook offers a level of customization few journals can match. Given the pages are secured via a series of discs along the spine, your grad can easily add or remove sheets and organize sections in a way that fits their unique lifestyle and needs. That means they can reorient their thoughts for class, their next job interview, and a variety of other situations.$99 at LevengerF*cking Planner Stickers$6$6F*cking Planner Stickers can provide any grad who is trying to keep their life together (or at least look like they are) with a much-needed dose of humor. Bold, irreverent, and hilariously honest, they turn even the most mundane adulting tasks — from scheduling meetings to paying bills — into something a little less boring and a lot more fun.Black & Decker Furbuster$93$1007% off$93High-end robovacs with auto-empty docks and AI obstacle avoidance are great and all, but sometimes a classic handheld is all you need. Black & Decker’s rechargeable Furbuster is a great option for picking up fur, dirt, and other debris, especially since it offers a surprising amount of suction and an extra-long crevice tool for hitting those hard-to-reach areas.Songmics Bamboo Bed Desk with Tilting Top$36$5028% off$36The Songmics Bamboo Bed Desk is great for sick days, late-night study sessions, and a formidable breakfast in bed. It’s equipped with an adjustable top and legs, along with a small side drawer for storing pens, snacks, and everything needed to stay productive — or unwind — without leaving bed.$36 at Amazon (with on-page coupon)$46 at SongmicsFujifilm Instax Mini 99$180$19910% off$180The Instax Mini 99 is the perfect instant camera for budding photogs who crave a little more control over their shots. It quickly prints credit card-sized photos and features dual shutter buttons, along with a multitude of brightness settings and color effects. It even offers a Sports Mode, allowing you to effortlessly capture shots of subjects who refuse to sit still.RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler$76$8915% off$76If they plan on celebrating graduation on the road, RTIC’s rugged cooler can keep the La Croix flowing. The cooler’s insulated, waterproof design can keep drinks and other contents cold for up to two days, while a comfortable shoulder strap and end handles help ensure it’s never too difficult to lug from one hang to the next.Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light$20$2931% off$20If your grad is about to move in with a roommate or partner, Glocusent’s LED Neck Reading Light is a particularly useful gift. With adjustable brightness and warmth settings, the wearable neck lamp can help them comfortably pore over textbooks late into the night. It’s also not insanely bright, or at least not enough that it’ll keep their roommate awake.$20 at Amazon (with on-page coupon)

Touch, I remember touch Power Sink (Winterwire Games, 22nd May, $14.99) - Set in the ruins of a submerged power station, Power Sink blends classic platforming with clever logic-based puzzles as players take on the role of a Diver sent to restore power to a fading underwater colony. Project Zombie (XenoXeno, 24th May, $12.99) - Project Zombie is a survival game set in a post-apocalyptic world, where players must push their physical and mental limits in a constant fight for life. In a world overrun by zombies, quick decisions, clever strategies, and cooperation with other survivors make the difference between life and death. Sauna of the DEAD (KAMIICHI DIGITAL, 22nd May, $7.99) - Step into the world's most unusual sauna game and become a legendary Aufguss Maestro. We believe you have what it takes to be the best heat-bringer in the underworld! Purify zombies in a sauna from hell! Soccer Golf! (Ratalaika Games, 23rd May, $4.99) - Do you love soccer? Do you love golf? Tee off and kickoff in SoccerGolf, a brilliant and challenging new physics game which seamlessly combines your two favorite sports. Choose from 54 challenging levels with 3 unique themes, and get ready for increased obstacles, hazards, and difficulty. Starlight Legacy (eastasiasoft, 28th May, $12.99) - Return to the style of 16-bit JRPGs in Starlight Legacy, a non-linear adventure inspired by genre classics! Set in a post-medieval world in the Evaria Kingdom, explore a vast kingdom created with lush 2D pixel art, a nostalgic turn-based battle system and non-linear story where the four provinces of the kingdom can be explored in any order of your choosing. STEAM-HEART’S Saturn Tribute (City Connection, 28th May, $19.99) - The return of a hardcore and sexy sci-fi vertical scrolling shooter! Players can obtain and power up two types of main shots and six types of sub-weapons. Utilize special techniques such as the "Weapon Crash", which temporarily boosts sub-weapons, and the "Boost" ability, which lets you momentarily accelerate to dodge enemy attacks. Master these skills to suppress the oncoming enemies! Super Waifu Ball (JanduSoft, 22nd May, $5.99) - Super Waifu Ball is an arcade-style adventure where you roll through colorful, obstacle-filled worlds as a cast of adorable waifus. Complete levels, collect stars, and unlock collectible waifu figurines from the gacha machine! Tavern Owner Simulator (GBTUI, 17th May, $12.99) - Welcome to Tavern Owner Simulator, where your dream of managing a medieval pub becomes reality. Step into the shoes of a tavern proprietor and transform a modest establishment into the most popular spot in town. With a mix of strategic planning, creative design, and savvy management, you’ll turn your tiny tavern into a bustling hub of activity. The Operator (Bureau 81, 22nd May, $13.99) - Welcome to the FDI. As our newest Operator, your role is to use your detective skills to assist our field agents and investigate mysterious crimes. Use cutting-edge FDI software to dig for clues, solve puzzles, and uncover the truth. The Town of Nie Iromusubi (HuneX, 22nd May, $39.19) - "The Town of Nie Iromusubi", a fan-disc of the strange and eerie otherworldly BL fantasy "The Town of Nie. "Weaving together extraordinary colors. Trident’s Tale (3DClouds, 22nd May, $24.99) - Set sail for an epic action-packed adventure in Trident’s Tale, where you’ll become Ocean, a bold young captain on a quest to reclaim the legendary Storm Trident—a mythical artifact that grants power over the seas. But beware the ocean is vast, treacherous, and crawling with danger at every turn! Weirdo (CASCHA GAMES, 22nd May, $10.99) - Parallel-Weirdo is a Japanese manga-style visual novel set in DYL High School. It follows Wang Zhe, an ordinary and frail boy, who tries to win the hearts of girls and complete What will you be downloading this week? (63 votes) A Bibelot: Tiret sur Will  0%ADVANCED V.G. Saturn Tribute2%Arcade Archives NebulasRay5%Casual Sport Series: Badminton  0%Cats Visiting Fairy Tales  0%Cattle Country3%Cipheur  0%Cookie Clicker8%Cozy Winter  0%Digger Simulator: Gold Rush  0%Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping8%Eggconsole Hydlide Ii Msx2%Extreme! 2-Choice Flag Quiz  0%Food Truck Business Simulator  0%Genopanic  0%Ghost Room Deep  0%Knight's Night!  0%Legends Aligned: Minis in Conflict  0%Merge Numbers  0%Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny Remastered3%Monster Train 28%Mudness Offroad Car Simulator Runner  0%Not Not 2 - A Brain Challenge2%Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny6%Pancho's Mission  0%Pick Race 3D  0%Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo19%Planeta 55  0%Please, Touch The Artwork 25%Power Sink3%Project Zombie  0%Sauna of the DEAD  0%Soccer Golf!  0%Starlight Legacy3%STEAM-HEART'S Saturn Tribute2%Super Waifu Ball2%Tavern Owner Simulator  0%The Operator  0%The Town of Nie Iromusubi  0%Trident's Tale  0%Weirdo  0%Nothing for me this week21% So that's your lot for this week's North American Nintendo Download. Go on, be a sport and drop a vote in the poll above, and comment below with your hot picks! Related Games See Also

Cool Finds Archaeologists Unearth Two Rare African Figurines in 1,500-Year-Old Christian Burials in Israel The artifacts were buried in the graves of a young woman and child, who may have converted to Christianity in Africa before traveling to the region, researchers say This ebony figurine was found in a child's grave. Dafna Gazit / Israel Antiquities Authority Archaeologists in Israel have found two tiny African figurines buried in early Christian graves. Dating back roughly 1,500 years, the artifacts are carved from rare ebony wood that originated in India or Sri Lanka. The burials are located in a necropolis in Tel Malhata, an archaeological site in the Negev desert. Humans have occupied Tel Malhata since the Middle Bronze Age, and hundreds of graves have been found in the cemetery. According to new research published in ‘Atiqot, the journal of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), three of those graves belonged to two women and a child who died in the sixth or seventh century C.E. These burials contained a trove of grave goods—including bronze jewelry, alabaster jars and five carved figurines. The ebony figurines are quite rare, while the bone figurines are more common for the region. Dafna Gazit / Israel Antiquities Authority “It is a very special find,” Noé D. Michael, an archaeologist at the IAA and the University of Cologne in Germany, tells Haaretz’s Ruth Schuster. Three of the five figurines were made from bone, and the researchers say that bone artifacts of this kind were commonly used in domestic rituals and burials in the region. However, the two others are quite rare. They were carved from ebony, and they depict a man and woman with “typical African features,” per the study. This ebony figurine was found in a young woman's grave. Dafna Gazit / Israel Antiquities Authority “As far as we know, no such figurine had ever been identified in Israel, Jordan [or] our region,” Michael tells the Times of Israel’s Rossella Tercatin. During the sixth and seventh centuries, Tel Malhata stood at the intersection of major trading routes “where merchants from southern Arabia, India and Africa passed,” according to a statement from the IAA. The grave goods reflect this international exchange. Ebony, a kind of dark wood, was a valuable import. “Experts at Tel Aviv University tested the wood and confirmed it came from India or Sri Lanka,” Michael tells the Times of Israel. “An ebony trade between Asia and Egypt and the Horn of Africa is attested starting from the fourth century C.E.” The two ebony figurines were found in the graves of a woman who died between the ages of 20 and 30 and a child who died between the ages of 6 and 8. In the statement, the researchers explain that the artifacts could have been “intimate personal items carrying with them a story of identity, tradition and memory.” Each figurine features a small hole through which a cord might have been threaded, allowing the owner to wear it around their neck.“Since the tombs were close and presented the same kind of burial gifts, they were probably a mother and a child,” Michael tells the Times of Israel. “Unfortunately, we could not extract DNA remains from the bones to run a test.” Two of the bone figurines were also found in these burials. The third was discovered in the tomb of a woman who died between the ages of 18 and 21. The team thinks these individuals may have traveled north from Africa, where conversion to Christianity was becoming increasingly common. As the researchers say in the statement, “It is possible that the figures represent ancestors, and thus they reflect traditions passed down from generation to generation—even after the adoption of the Christian religion.” Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.

Pop Mart has temporarily paused Labubu sales in the UK. LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images 2025-05-21T04:26:31Z Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? UK fans of Labubu won't be able to snag the toy in stores for a bit. The toy's producer, Pop Mart, said it would temporarily pause physical Labubu sales in the UK. It said this was to "ensure the safety" of people after long lines formed outside UK Pop Mart stores. Labubu fans in the UK have gone so wild for the toy, its seller has temporarily paused in-store sales.Pop Mart, the Chinese toymaker behind the viral $85 doll that's taking the world by storm, announced the pause in an Instagram post on Tuesday."Due to the increasing demand for our beloved Labubus, we've seen a significant rise in customer turnout on restock days — with long queues forming outside our stores and Roboshops," the toymaker said.Pop Mart sells products in 16 locations across the UK, including the vending machine-style Roboshops."To ensure the safety and comfort of everyone, we will temporarily pause all in-store and roboshop sales of THE MONSTERS plush toys until further notice," Pop Mart added.Pop Mart said online drops of the toy would continue as usual.At least a dozen videos on TikTok of Pop Mart's stores in the UK show snaking lines forming at its entrances ahead of product drops.A video of the Pop Mart in Bullring, a shopping mall in Birmingham, showed a line stretching around the building. Barricades were set up at the start of the line to organize the queue.This comes as Labubu fever spreads from Asia to the West, with fans queuing for hours to get their hands on the furry plushie with serrated teeth.Labubus, which come in various designs, are sold in blind boxes, or toys that are not labeled.Pop Mart staff in Singapore told BI in November that stores are restocked with a few hundred figurines twice a week, but they sell out in minutes.Labubu and The Monsters toy line was a major cash cow for Pop Mart in 2024. According to the company's annual report, its sales totaled 3.04 billion yuan, or about $426 million, which was 23% of Pop Mart's total revenue.Representatives for Pop Mart did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.