Taxidermy (from the Greek for classifying skins) is the act of mounting or reproducing dead animals for display (e.g. as hunting trophies) or for other sources of study.
Rogue Taxidermy [wikipedia]
Rogue taxidermy is the creation of stuffed animals which do not have real, live counterparts. Many taxidermist do not consider this true taxidermy. They may represent unrealistic hybrids such as the jackalope and the skvader, extinct species, mythical creatures such as dragons, chimeras, griffins, unicorns or mermaids, or may be entirely of the maker's imagination. Some are made from parts of more than one kind of animal, or they may be artificially created. Rogue taxidermy is often seen in sideshows and dime museums among genuine freak animals.
The term "Rogue Taxidermy" was introduced by the Minneapolis, MN based group, The Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists (or M.A.R.T.)[1] in October of 2004. It was first coined by M.A.R.T. founders Sarina Brewer, Scott Bibus, and Robert Marbury. The term first appeared in print in a New York Times article about the group's debut exhibition on January 3rd, 2005. [2] Since that time its definition has become more general, referring to many types of taxidermy that do not fall under the trade of it.
Art taxidermists such as David Blyth and Polly Morgan use taxidermy to create art either as its sole content or as part of an installation.
Anthropomorphic Taxidermy [wikipedia]
Anthropomorphic taxidermy is where stuffed animals are dressed as people or displayed as if engaged in human activities. This style was popular in Victorian and Edwardian times but can still be found today.
Another website that has quite a bit of information on taxidermy is ravishingbeasts.com.
"Ancient techniques for preserving entire or parts of animals and humans were secret arts, frequently associated with religious ceremonies and mystical rites. Protecting the dead from decay was variously understood as a means of easing the transition of the spirit between this world and the next, harnessing supernatural forces, or accessing knowledge of the natural and supernatural worlds. Preserved body parts were links to the after world and were appropriately revered as symbols of strength and worldly representations of unworldly powers."
For example, early Christian tradition revered relics of the deceased. Body fragments of saints were displayed in churches as relics and were believe to hold the power to heal and relieve suffering. They also frequently hung preserved 'exotic items' from the rafters of their churches to evoke awe at God's variety of creations. In 1260 a crocodile was hung in the Cathedral of Seville later called the Portal of the Lizard (the doorway to the cloister of the cathedral).
Cathedral of Seville >>>
Notice preserved crocodile and elephant tusk
Ancient Egyptians also practiced animal and human preservation through mummification. For more information see the earlier blog post concerning mummification.
The flourishing spice trade in early modernizing Europe also found uses for animal preservation. While accruing spices, merchants also returned home with exotic specimens which were then purchased by curious people and apothecaries. The dried animal parts (including mummies) were often used in their preparations. Pictured below is a 19th century preserved flying fish.
I am also interested in the modern use of taxidermy in modern home decor. It may not be pictured in the everyday Home and Gardens magazine, but its beginning to appear more frequently in the ultramodern trendy photographs of interior design. Why is this? Perhaps it is society's attempt to break away from the industrialization of home decor and the longing for individuality. It's something that has intrigued me for as long as I can remember anything.
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