Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Cave Men only "Oooga Booga" => Topic started by: dean on November 08, 2011, 05:18:24 pm
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I've seen a few pics here and there of hides used for capes/cloaks that still had the head of the animal attached. I've only seen this done with bear and deer (bucks). The head is kind of like a hood.
How can this be done? Wouldn't the meat between the skin and skull be problematic?
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i think it must be taken off then the hide tanned and the skull treated(brains flesh ect removed) the i thenk they must stich the hide bcak onto the skull. That is just what i think the might do but i could be very wrong.
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The head is fully skinned with a special technique called caping. Depending on the species, it can be a very complicated process especially around the mouth, nose, eyes, and ears. A taxidermist can do it for you, or you can check your library for do-it-yourself taxidermy books.
Most of those heads with the eyes, teeth, and so on are actually plastic and putty with the skins re-mounted carefully.
Turkeys are a famous exception. None of the fake heads look all that good, so tuekey farmers sell the heads off mature gobblers and they are freeze-dried, airbrushed, and sold ready made to taxidermists.
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Thanks for the replies. I've seen instructional videos on caping and it doesn't look all too difficult. I could be wrong but I at least understand the basics.
I might give it a try this season.