Taxidermy: A Disrespect to Animals

Taxidermy is the process of utilizing the skins of dead animals for artwork by stuffing them. This action creates a realistic representation of the animal. Therefore, even though the animal is actually dead, it will appear as if it still prevails. A common tradition associated with taxidermy is the act of hunting, and then taking the dead animal to the taxidermist with the intention of eventually mounting the finished product above a fireplace. While this may be interpreted as the display of importance and reverence toward the animal, the more realistic interpretation is that this action represents human dominance over animals.

Animals are beautiful creatures, different from humans in more than that which comprises their genetic composition. Animals are creatures that act on instinct. While humans possess the ability to either act on instinct, or to question everything, animals always rely on their instincts. It is this ability by which they function that causes awe and wonder for the human observer. They reside within their own natural habitat and interact with other members of their same species in profound and intricate ways. One can obtain so much joy from observing and analyzing the interactions and idiosyncrasies of animals. Why some people desire to kill them remains an everlasting mystery.

However, free will is a component of life. Nevertheless, hunting is a sport that people engage in. When the hunter has succeeded in killing the animal, they feel as if they have accomplished their objective, and mounting the head of a dead animal is a representation of this pride. Taxidermy is a disrespect to the animal whose life was taken away so violently. In the process of preparing the dead body, it is cut and manipulated. This is especially evident within head mounts. The action of taking the body of a being that was once alive, and then destroying it, only to portray it in a different manner, symbolizes an attitude of indifference toward the life that that being once possessed. Animals may not communicate in the same manner as humans, yet their actions have substance and meaning. If one knew the significance of this, a better understanding of the animal itself would be revealed. Animals are not meant to be tormented once they are dead. The manipulation of a dead body transcends into an understatement of pride for the human, but defeat for the animal.