Basics 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 are employed in museums and related institutions or they could start personal companies. Such businesses serve hunters, amateurs like hobbyists, or fishermen. The art could also be provided as a service to individual clients in residences. One needs to have knowledge in painting, tanning, sculpture, and anatomy to be a perfect taxidermist. A team of individuals with various skills can come together and form 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.

Clay was utilized for shaping soft components of animals at the invention time of the art. However, this changed because clay made animals heavy when mounted on walls. The age in which this art or process underwent a golden era was during Victorian periods. During that age, wall-mounted animals were a fashionable component of interior designs and decor.

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 skin can then be mounted on a polyurethane form or a mannequin made from wire, wool, or wood. Glass eyes are installed using clay. Forms and eyes are sold on a commercial scale by various suppliers. Taxidermists can also carve their own forms that suit personal preferences. All taxidermists aim at ensuring that their work remains attractive and the results resemble living animals 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.




About the Author: