Published in Scientific Works. Series C. Veterinary Medicine, Vol. LXI
Written by Călin Csaba POP, Melania Ioana CRIȘAN, Aurel DAMIAN
Taxidermy is the art of dissecting and preserving animals as natural as possible, in order to exhibit them in natural science museums and in individual collections as trophies of the collectors or as decorating objects. In naturalization, minor surgical procedures for changing the mimics of the face are necessary in order to increase the value of the exhibits. The aim of the current work was to improve the technique of taxidermy in order to create valuable exhibits. Based on the bibliographic research and analysing the already existing pieces from different natural science museums and private collections, we noticed that technical improvements, especially of the facial region, were required in naturalizing the trophies coming from large mammals. The study was conducted on two deer heads. The naturalization was obtained by dissecting and removing the skin, excepting the ears, eye lids and oral cavity, where special procedures were required. The used method was systematic skinning. Tanning was made with eulan which insures a high flexibility and durability of the skin. The two prepared exhibits had an increased storage rate because there was no source of food for insects that could damage the material. With the improvement of naturalization technique of the exhibit, its storage life was also increasing. Application of new techniques of conservation and the use of new materials available in taxidermy, offers a long-term economic value to the exhibits in terms of structure and preservation of tissues.
[Read full article] [Citation]
