History of Taxidermy

Taxidermy has been in use for thousands of years as a way to preserve life. There have been many forms of taxidermy over the years. Taxidermy allows scientists to study animals that existed before people did as well as animals that still exist.

Background

Taxidermy dates back to the days of hunters who discovered that animal skin could be used to make clothing and shelter. Before taxidermists existed, hunters would incorporate animal skin into their hunting rituals. Eventually it was discovered that animal skin could be preserved and tanned animal skin became a valuable commodity. Tanners became an important part of the hunter's tribes. Most small towns had a successful tannery business by the 1700s.

Taxidermy as a Passion

The nineteenth century saw taxidermy gain popularity in North America, Europe and Britain. During this time in history, people became passionate about nature. They cherished dead animals as much as living ones. This led to a rise in the popularity of natural history. Taxidermy made people look at nature in a new light. They began to interact with it in ways they never had before. A love of nature went hand in hand with the act of killing and preserving animals and putting them on display in parlors and museums, as well as on fashion accessories such as hats.

Taxidermy and Religion

Taxidermy was a secret art that played a part in religious rituals as far back as the 1200s. Preserving dead people and animals was a way to help ease the transition between the world of the living and the world of the dead. Preserving body parts was a symbol of strength.