These cute hairy monkey ornaments are made from dried cicadas

Look a little closer. These miniature monkey ornaments that look so cute and lifelike are in fact made out of Chinese dried cicadas.

Known as a “hairy monkey,” this folk handicraft is unique to Beijing, China, and originated from the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty.

According to Chinese legend, this craft was created by a drug store sales clerk who found himself bored at work one day. The man then used ingredients easily found around the store to create the monkey. The molting skins of cicadas are a commonly used ingredient in Chinese medicine, and are used in herbal preparations.

The head and limbs of a hairy monkey are made from the body parts of the cicada, while its body comes from the magnolia flower bud.