Taxidermia (do grego taxis + derma que significa "dar forma à pele") é a arte de montar (empalhar) ou reproduzir animais para estudo ou exposição. Em muitos casos, a pele (incluíndo pêlo, penas ou escamas) dos espécimes é preservada sobre estruturas de suporte. Estes espécimes podem ser encontrados em colecções de história natural.
Taxidermy (greek taxis + derma) is the art of mounting or reproducing animals for display or for other sources of study.
Taxidermy can also be defined as practice of creating lifelike representations of animals by using their prepared skins and various supporting structures. Taxidermy began with the ancient custom of keeping trophies of the hunt. Beginning in the 18th century, a growing interest in natural history resulted in collections and exhibits of birds, beasts and curiosities. Chemically preserving skins, hair, and feathers made it possible to recreate the appearance of live animals by stuffing the sewed-up skin with straw or hay. (From Britannica Concise Encyclopedia)
More information regarding taxidermy collections can be found at:
Working group on "The art of taxidermy and its cultural heritage importance" of ICOM-NATHIST (ICOM International Committe for Museums and Collections of Natural History) website or newsletters:
"Working group on the art of taxidermy and its cultural heritage importance", ICOM NATHIST Newsletter 15 (2006)
"Case studies- taxidermy and habitat groups", ICOM NATHIST Newsletter 17 (2006)
Working group on "The art of taxidermy and its cultural heritage importance" of ICOM-NATHIST (ICOM International Committe for Museums and Collections of Natural History) website or newsletters:
"Working group on the art of taxidermy and its cultural heritage importance", ICOM NATHIST Newsletter 15 (2006)
"Case studies- taxidermy and habitat groups", ICOM NATHIST Newsletter 17 (2006)