Machine Project wants a ham. Not just any ham, but Jamón ibérico.

The innovative gallery-laboratory made the following appeal to supporters: Make a $50 donation to Machine Project's ham campaign on Kickstarter, and you will get a ticket to "Cabeza Debacle, "a several hour marathon event inspired by the story of Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca's voyage from Spain to North America in the 16th Century." The Debacle will take place on September 8.

According to Machine:

The evening will be centered around a communal, dramatic reading of an english translation of La Relación, De Vaca's account of his journey as told to the king of Spain.

Obviously, for this event to be a truly gluttonous debacle, we need to purchase the finest, fanciest and most opulent imported Spanish ham that money can buy: Jamón ibérico.

Since its inception, Kickstarter has been used to fund some pretty noble projects: socially-engaged documentary films, innovative and life-improving inventions, and opportunities for earnest, hard-working bands to produce their first album. But, to our knowledge, the platform has yet to be used in order to crowdsource a ham.

By the way, Chicken Corner wonders if they shouldn't be eating fancy beef, given that the English translation of Sr. Cabeza de Vaca's name is Mr. Cow Head. Just asking.