Introduction to Taxidermy - A Primer

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Taxidermy Tempe AZ, also called fur study, is the craft of maintaining an animal's dead body through stuffing or mounting, for the purpose of study or display. Most animals are often, if not always, depicted in a lifelike living state. The skill of taxidermy dates back to ancient times, when it was used to preserve the bodies of those who died of natural or unnatural causes. In ancient China, taxidermy was very important to the royals.

The word "taxidermy" literally means "tissue paper." Animal skins and even teeth were mounted or stuffed in order to be preserved. Modern taxidermy differs in that skin is sometimes retained while the animal is alive, and only the skin is removed when the specimen is mounted. Mounting is usually a practice of modern taxidermy, as the practice in ancient times was more accidental and could not guarantee a successful mount. In fact, many animals were mounting at one time or another.

The techniques used in taxidermy have changed over the years with advances in technology, especially in UV light. Taxidermy today usually involves working with a combination of cryosurgery, which are freezing the body, and stomatology, which is the art of applying the skin folds for a lifelike tanning. The modern techniques are more precise than the techniques of ancient times. Modern taxidermists now usually use computerized tools, such as digital models, to help them achieve a well-posed and well-lit specimen.

For someone looking to get into taxidermy, another option is to become a taxidermist yourself. A beginner taxidermist can learn from a relative or friend. Learning the craft can take a few years but, if you are patient, you can master the craft and be able to produce beautiful mounts. If you are interested in getting into taxidermy for profit, you can also study it in school or obtain a certificate in taxidermy. Having a certificate or diploma in taxidermy can be a great jumpstart to becoming a taxidermist on your own.

The steps involved in taxidermy are not complicated. Before working on a specimen, the skin is first cleaned, usually using alcohol or turpentine to remove any smell and then removing the hair from the skin. Next, the skin is mounted from head to foot with a tiny brush. Feathers from the animal are used to support the weight of the skin. A small opening is cut in the skin at the base of the skull for the tongue to enter, and the skin is pulled tight.

Once the skin is ready, the taxidermist begins working on preparing the mounts for tanning. Tanning is done with natural pigments usually in the form of oils or creams. Tanning is the process of removing the naturally occurring color from the skin, which is done by rubbing the skin with a special whitening formula. After the tanning process, the mounts are removed and the skins are cleaned once again. This prevents the skins from cracking during storage. Taxidermy professionals also often cover the mounts in order to prevent any damage during transport or handling.

Taxidermy can also include the repair of mummification or embalming specimens. The mummification or embalming is the process of creating a paper covering over a dead body in order to protect it from decaying. Embalming or mummification specimens can also be repaired after death using a taxidermy kit or by a taxidermist. The repairs made to mummification or embalming specimen usually cover the entire specimen.

The taxidermy field includes a variety of specialized skills that are used for skins, fur, and other animal components. If you are looking to become a taxidermist one of the best options for training is to obtain an Introduction to Taxidermy. This course is available from most community colleges and can be completed in as little as two weeks. Upon completion of the course, students will have a better understanding of how the different techniques are done, along with the types of equipment used. With the skills gained from the introductory taxidermy course, a student may be able to begin training in more advanced taxidermy methods that can be very beneficial to them down the road.