Monday, September 30, 2013

Basics About South Texas Taxidermy

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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 deep history that dates back to 1748 in France. The first discovery of the art was birds conserved in natural history cabinets. Methods of mounting were discussed elaborately in 1752 by someone known as M. B. Stollas. The art of taxidermy had numerous pioneers in various states including France, Germany, and Denmark during the era of its 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 applied by taxidermists in their work have improved much with time resulting into little or zero toxicity and better taxidermic quality. Current techniques entail skinning the creature in question first. The skinning can be carried out without opening internal cavity of creatures. The skinners do not therefore see internal parts or blood. The skins could then be sprayed with conserving chemical products or tanned depending on 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 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.




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