Things To Know About South Texas Taxidermy

By Marla Mills


In South Texas Taxidermy refers to the art of preparing, mounting, and stuffing skins of animals for purposes of display or study. Vertebrates are mostly used than the invertebrates because they have the supportive backbone, which makes them easier to work with. This process can be done to all kinds of vertebrate strains of animals including birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals. A person who specializes in this art is called a taxidermist.

Taxidermists may be employed in museums or related amenities or they could own personal firms. Such businesses usually serve fishermen, hunters, or amateurs such as hobbyists. The art may also be done to individuals in homes. One needs a good understanding of painting, anatomy, tanning, and sculpture in order to become a perfect taxidermist. A team of individuals with different skills could also come together and create a company.

Taxidermy has a lengthy history and dates as back as 1748 in France. The very first existence of this art was birds conserved for natural history cabinets. Techniques of mounting were elaborately discussed in 1752 by somebody called M. B. Stollas. Taxidermy had many pioneers in different states including Denmark, France, and Germany around the era of discovery.

At the time of discovery, clay was used in shaping the soft parts of the animals. This was however changed because it made the animals very heavy when mounted on the wall. The era within which the art of taxidermy experienced a golden age was during the Victorian era. During that era, mounted animals were a very popular part of decor and interior design.

The methods utilized by taxidermists in their practice have improved much over time resulting in superior taxidermic quality and little or no toxicity. Current methods entail skinning the animal in question first. The skinning activity can be performed without opening the internal cavity of the creature. The skinner does not therefore see blood or interior parts of the animal. The skin could then be tanned and/or sprayed with conserving chemicals depending on the type.

The tanned skins could then be mounted onto polyurethane forms or mannequins produced from wood, wool, or wires. Glass eyes are fitted using clay. Eyes and/or forms can be purchased on commercial scale from various suppliers internationally. Taxidermists also carve individual forms that match their own needs. All taxidermists target at making sure that their creations remain attractive and outcomes resemble real living creatures as much as possible.

Anthropomorphic taxidermy is a branch where the mounted creatures are displayed as though they are involved in human activities. Some people dress them like human beings. This style was most popular during the Edwadian and Victorian eras, even though they are still present in some places. Rogue taxidermic art is where mythical or animals that do not exist are created. Some of the animals made include chimeras, dragons, mermaids, unicorns, and griffins.

In South Texas Taxidermy is performed by the best practitioners in this field. The professionals are usually available for hiring by individuals. They demand low rates yet offer state of the art products and services.




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