Processing skulls is changing - finding a cost effective way.
I have spent endless hours reading forum posts, traveled millions of internet miles searching for useful information on skull cleaning, degreasing and bleaching. In the process I have watched a pattern develop and wonder if it is progress or a step back in skull preservation.
Today many professional taxidermists as well as the small technicians are looking at faster ways to clean skulls and stronger chemicals are being used to get the job done in less time.
Personally, I am ambivalent regarding this trend. I feel that quality of a product should not depend on money but in this case the buyer may have no clue because on the surface the mount looks good. The craftsman has to find a way of remaining in business while making a profit and providing a service with value.
Does a good looking skull that is glued and stabilized with polymers qualify as quality? Maybe?
Fixatives and polymers can stabilize damaged skulls
Along with the drive for faster production the use of fixatives is becoming more common place. I suspect that this is to prevent the appearance of surface damage and to provide structure support for the skulls.Personally, I am ambivalent regarding this trend. I feel that quality of a product should not depend on money but in this case the buyer may have no clue because on the surface the mount looks good. The craftsman has to find a way of remaining in business while making a profit and providing a service with value.
Does a good looking skull that is glued and stabilized with polymers qualify as quality? Maybe?
