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 long history and dates as early as 1748 in France. The first existence of the art was birds preserved for natural history cabinets. The various techniques of mounting were discussed by someone called M. B. Stollas in the year 1752. Taxidermy had several pioneers in different countries including Denmark, Germany, and France around the time of discovery.

At the time of invention of the art, clay was utilized in shaping soft parts of animals. However, this was changed because it made animals to be very heavy when installed on walls. The era in which the art or process of taxidermy underwent a golden age was during Victorian times. During that age, mounted animals were a popular component of decor and home interior designs.

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 could then be mounted on polyurethane forms or on mannequin produced from wire, wood, or wool. Glass eyes are fixed using clay. Eyes and forms are sold on commercial scale by suppliers worldwide. Taxidermists also carve personal forms that suit their own preferences. All taxidermists target at ensuring that their work-pieces remain attractive and the outcomes resemble 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 carried out by the best experts in this field of specialty. The experts are usually present for hiring by members of the public. They demand reasonable rates yet supply state of the art commodities and services.




About the Author: