Collecting Mythological Taxidermy
If you’re interested in the weird and wonderful world of collecting mythological taxidermy, All-Taxidermy has a wide variety of bizarre creatures to choose from. These range from famous folklore cryptids like Bigfoot and Yeti, to Greek legends like Minotaur and Cerberus.
In addition, we handle custom creations such as merging an antelope with gorgeous feathers or a fox with wings. We can also add a custom habitat to your custom mythical creature to really make your cryptid a focal point in your taxidermy collection!
Below is everything you need to know about mythical taxidermy:
What is Mythological Taxidermy?
Mythological taxidermy is the creation of fantastical creatures using professional taxidermy techniques.
History of Mythical Taxidermy
Taxidermy itself has a long and rich history, dating as early in human history as Ancient Egypt when animals were preserved and buried alongside Pharaohs or Egyptian nobility. They did this using embalming tools and oils for religious purposes. Preservation of animal hides has also been a practice among Europeans and Native Americans for many centuries. The skins of various animals were used for boots, jackets, shirts, pants, and bedding, and religious or cultural practices.
During the Renaissance and Scientific Revolution in the 1600s, the practice of preserving animals or their hides emerged again, with interest also in re-creating the animal’s likeness as a life-size mount. Legends and myths are part of what made earlier taxidermy pieces so intriguing and disturbing. Examples were the explorers’ depiction of the mermaid, or Western tales of the horned jackrabbit, hence the jackalope. In addition, many earlier taxidermy pieces wouldn’t depict the anatomical correctness of the real life animal, and the result was a creepy or ugly piece.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, taxidermists would utilize metal rods to mimic the appearance of the animal skeletal structure and support the fur and skin and create a full-body mount. Taxidermy in the Victorian era was a way for the public to see, often for the first time ever, a species from another part of the world. A popular trend during this time also was the practice of stuffing pets and small mammals like squirrels, mice, and rabbits, dressing them in clothing to make endearing (and slightly creepy) doll-house scenes. We detail more about the history of taxidermy in our article here.
Popularity in Modern Times
Today, taxidermy continues to evolve, and while professional taxidermists have gotten much better at depicting animals with life-like accuracy, there is still plenty of interest in the weird and wacky side of collecting taxidermy. Examples include werewolves, griffons, Pegasus, mermaids, dragons, jackalopes, or even a mix of two, three, or more animals to make a truly bizarre design.
Mythical taxidermy is commonly collected for display in personal collections, museums, haunted houses, stores, and cabins alike.
Collecting Mythical Taxidermy by Theme
Folklore Taxidermy
Bigfoot
Big Foot, described as a towering furry, ape-like bipedal being, is believed to roam the forests of the Pacific Northwest and the Appalachian mountain regions.
Investing in a Big Foot taxidermy mount is the perfect statement piece for any cryptid exhibition, theme park, haunted attraction, private collection, entertainment production, or retail display. All-Taxidermy’s Big Foot taxidermy mount stands at an impressive 11 feet tall with the base included.
Our life-like Big Foot taxidermy mount is carefully crafted using quality real Musk Ox hide, with great attention to detail in its facial features, fur, hands, and feet. Add this fascinating creature to your mythical taxidermy collection.
Pictured here: Big Foot Replica SKU 3138
Yeti
Similar to the Big Foot, the Yeti is often described by witnesses as a tall white-haired human/ape-like creature that roams the snowy mountainous region of the Himalayas.
The taxidermists at All-Taxidermy uses high-quality Icelandic Sheep hide to get life-like results in the creature’s fur texture. A well-crafted Yeti taxidermy mount will also have incredibly detailed eyes, nose, mouth, and fingers for an added life-like look.
The attention to detail and realistic craftsmanship of the replica Yeti taxidermy mount will make it stand out as a focal point in a museum or haunted exhibition. When it comes to mythical taxidermy, the Bigfoot and Yeti are the perfect additions to your cryptid collection!
Pictured here: Yeti Replica SKU 3139
Werewolf
One of folklore’s most iconic and fearsome creatures is the Werewolf, a human who can shapeshift into a wolf at night. The werewolf has been a legend in many European, Asian, Middle Eastern, and North American cultures since the ancient and Middle Ages, and today is often depicted in horror movies, anime, manga, comic books, and other media.
At All-Taxidermy, we craft high-quality werewolf shoulder taxidermy mounts, life-size mounts, and wall pedestals, posing with an open mouth and fearsome teeth – the perfect addition for a spooky exhibition!
Our werewolf taxidermy mounts are crafted from quality animal furs to resemble a real wolf, while also adding a cryptid spin.
Pictured here: Werewolf Shoulder Mount SKU 2770
Jackalope
The Jackalope is a mythical animal said to live in Western North America. The cryptid is a cross between a jackrabbit and an antelope, but the myth likely originated when rabbits were sighted in the wild with tumor growths on their faces as a result of the Shope papilloma virus.
A popular choice for cabins, man caves, restaurants, bars, and breweries, the jackalope will be right at home with other Western North American mammals or novelty and oddity taxidermy in your collection.
Taxidermists commonly craft a jackalope using deer antlers and a jackrabbit to create this unusual and captivating creature. Browse all our jackalope taxidermy online to add to your cabin or bar today.
Pictured here: Jack-a-Lope Pair His and Hers Taxidermy Mount SKU 2314
Unicorn
The unicorn is one of folklore’s most popular, mystical animals. It is a horse-like or goat-like animal described as having a single, large spiraling horn projecting from its head.
The legendary animal was thought to be a woodland-dwelling creature symbolizing purity and grace.
A favorite among children and storytelling throughout the centuries, adding a unicorn to your mythical taxidermy collection is a must! The unicorn is a perfect addition for museums, stores, and educational centers.
Pictured here: Unicorn Taxidermy Shoulder Mount SKU 2145
Greek Mythological Creatures
You can also collect mythological taxidermy mounts by the Greco-Roman period. This includes unusual creatures like Cerberus, the three-headed dog-like beast; the Centaur, a creature with the head, arms, and torso of a man with the body of a horse; and the Griffin, a hybrid between an eagle and a lion.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Greek mythical taxidermy creatures you can add to your museum exhibition or your personal collection:
Cerberus
The Ancient Greeks believed Cerberus, or the Hound of Hades, to be a three-headed dog that guarded the gates of the Underworld, preventing people from entering, and the dead from leaving without permission.
All-Taxidermy brings this Greek mythological creature to life with a 3-headed coyote mount.
We use high quality coyote fur and custom habitat to make this Greek mythical creature look as authentic as possible!
Pictured here: 3 Headed Coyote Mythological Cerberus Full Body Taxidermy Mount SKU 2007
Minotaur
According to Greek mythology, the Minotaur (also called Asterion) was believed to be part bull and part man, and dwelled in a labyrinth. The Minotaur was estimated to stand around 9 feet tall.
All-Taxidermy’s Minotaur taxidermy is crafted from authentic bison hide to mimic the legendary Greek mythological creature.
If you’re a fan of American Bison taxidermy, but are looking for an unusual spin on this animal, the Minotaur is a must-have! Add the Minotaur to any cryptid taxidermy collection or museum exhibition!
Pictured here: Life Size, 9′ Tall Mythological Minotaur SKU 2006
Hybrid Animal Designs
If you’re looking for a custom design, another suggestion is to either custom order, or browse your local taxidermy shop for animals with mixed features, for example, a Gemsbok antelope with peacock feathers, or a wolf mixed with fox fur and eagle feathers. These hybrid animal designs can add a beautiful, exotic look to your taxidermy collection – or you can opt for something more creepy and unsettling.
The options are endless! Take a look at our mythical creature taxidermy collection to see our current listings. To get started, just contact All-Taxidermy at 888-983-3886 for ideas for your mythological taxidermy and we can help you create your dream taxidermy.
Key Considerations
When investing in mythological taxidermy mounts for your collection, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Condition
A reputable taxidermy store will be transparent about the condition of the animal hide and overall craftsmanship of the mount. At All-Taxidermy, our best quality, museum-ready taxidermy pieces will be denoted by either the Excellent, Superior, and Trophy (our best) quality grade badge, or by the Olympic Big Game logo.
When it comes to determining the quality grade, some considerations that will be made include the accuracy of the mount, the quality of the fur, and the materials used.
Ethical Sourcing
All of All-Taxidermy’s mythical taxidermy mounts are ethically sourced. We are a trusted, local, family-owned business based in Wrightstown, WI. Family values are fundamental to our company, and we have prioritized perfecting our craft of taxidermy services for decades. We are members of WTA (Wisconsin Taxidermists Association) and SCI (Safari Club International).
The owners at our company were mentored by World Champion taxidermists, so we produce only the best possible pieces.
Why Choose Us for Mythical Taxidermy?
Our mythical taxidermy experts have decades of experience working with custom and cryptid taxidermy. In fact, we were trained by the best World Champion taxidermy professionals. Here at All-Taxidermy, we are committed to careful attention to detail to get as accurate and true-to-life results as possible.
We infuse the same level of pride into every taxidermy mount we create – from towering Big Foot and Yeti replicas, to small custom hybrid cryptids. To get a custom quote, please contact our team online, or give us a call at 888-983-3886 today.
