Mounting: In the world of taxidermy, “mounting” is a critical and skilled process. It involves preparing and displaying specimens of animals in a life-like state for study, education, or decoration. The process starts with the careful preparation of the animal’s body, which includes skinning, preserving the skin, and removing any flesh that could decompose.
Next, a form or mannequin, usually made of foam or wood, is crafted to replicate the animal’s anatomy. The preserved skin is then carefully placed over this form. Attention to detail is crucial in recreating the animal’s natural pose and expression, which involves sculpting muscles, inserting glass eyes, and sometimes even painting fine details to mimic the creature’s original appearance.
Mounting is not only a form of art but also a science. It requires knowledge of anatomy, sculpture, painting, and preservation techniques. The purpose of taxidermy and mounting can vary: from educational displays in museums and study collections to trophies for hunters or sentimental preservation of pets. The end goal is to create a representation that is as close to the living animal as possible, both in appearance and in spirit.