SCP-173

Confirmed 117,491

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About

SCP-173, also known as The Sculpture, is an SCP Foundation object known for being the very first SCP entry created, preceding the SCP Foundation Wiki itself. In the SCP Foundation universe, SCP-173 is a statue-like entity that cannot move while in direct eyesight and can kill by breaking the neck of its victim or by strangulation. One of the most well-known SCP entities, SCP-173 is often featured in memes related to the SCP Foundation.

Origin

On June 22nd, 2007, an anonymous 4chan^[1] using a moniker S.S. Walrus (also known as Moto42) posted a creepypasta describing a hostile entity known as SCP-173 to /x/ board, using a photograph of an art piece Untitled 2004 ^[7] by Izumi Kato for illustration. On October 9th, 2018 Redditor^[9] dasMaymay discovered the original /x/ thread^[2] in an online archive^[10].

According to the original description, SCP-173 had to be observed by no fewer than three personnel at a time to keep it immobile. The description of the SCP bore strong similarities to Weeping Angels from the British television series Doctor Who, first introduced in the episode "Blink"^[8] that aired on June 9th, 2007.

SCP-173 is animate and malevolent, if given the chance it will kill anyone within its line of site. It's weakness however is that it does not move while being watched. Despite this paralysis it is still highly dangerous; able to cover at least 2 meters in the literal blink of an eye. It typically kills by either snapping the victim's neck from behind, or grabbing the victim's throat and strangling him.

Spread

Through 2007, the original /x/ post has been copied multiple times on 4chan, while attempts to create new SCPs were made.^[1] Between January 17th and 19th, 2008, in several 4chan threads a number of new SCPs were described by the image board users. On January 19th, 2008, the SCP Series wiki was launched on EditThis, with SCP-173 becoming one of the first entries added to the site.

Since its creation, SCP-173^[3] original description has undergone notable stylistic changes.

SCP-173 is animate and extremely hostile. The object cannot move while within a direct line of sight. Line of sight must not be broken at any time with SCP-173. Personnel assigned to enter container are instructed to alert one another before blinking. Object is reported to attack by snapping the neck at the base of the skull, or by strangulation.

One of the better-known SCP Foundation objects, SCP-173 is often referenced in memes related to the fictional universe. Multiple examples of memes featuring the character can be found /r/DankMemesFromSite19^[4] subreddit.

In memes, SCP-173 is often compared to a peanut due to its visual resemblance to the crop. In some memes, onomatopoeia "cronch" is used in reference to the supposed sound of SCP-173 breaking the neck of its victim.

In January 2019, memes featuring SCP-173 saw an increase in mainstream use, particularly on Instagram^[5]^[6].

Image Removal

On February 2nd, 2022, the SCP Foundation announced^[11]^[12] that the image illustrating the entry would be removed on February 13th that year out of "moral and legal obligation to at least try separating SCP from Kato's work," mentioning concerns that the image, used with Kato's consent was technically illegal and that a growing number of people were trying to profit off of the statue. As per request of Moto42, the author of SCP-173, the image would not be replaced;^[13] instead, a creative event for artists was announced.^[14]