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Skull mounts


Skull mounts are sometimes referred to as European mounts, western skull mounts, or western mounts. They are referred to as European mounts because to keep the skin and hair on the animal is very costly in Europe; there are few taxidermists who can obtain imported materials from America. They are a large portion of taxidermy work. Only the skull of the animal is displayed, which will have horns, antlers, or nothing attached to the skull depending on the animal. These mounts can be displayed however the owner would like.

The traditional method of removing muscle and other flesh tissue leaving only the clean skull is boiling the entire head of the animal. This method was the first to be used in skull mounting; it is inexpensive, can produce a finished product in a day or less, and can be done with few supplies that can be found in any grocery or general supplies store. The mount does not take up much room because of the lack of neck and hide.

Using dermestidae beetles to eat away flesh is a modern method of cleaning the skulls for skull mounts and is increasing in popularity.

YouTube (2012) "How to do a European Skull Mount"

YouTube (2012) "Flesh eating beetles at work"


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Wikipedia

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