A cleaned animal skull can be a beautiful and unique ornament for a wide variety of works of art. We can also learn a lot about these animals. Its age, way of life, and even the story of its death can be seen through the skull and bones of the animal. Animal skulls must be thoroughly cleaned prior to curing and there are several methods you can use. Below are the steps for cleaning and preserving the skull.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Removing the Meat
Step 1. Prevent zoonoses
Many diseases can be transmitted by animals to humans, such as rabies. Such diseases are called zoonoses. This disease can persist even if the animal has died. Prevent transmission in the following ways.
- Put on gloves and wash hands, arms or other body parts that are in direct contact with the animal.
- Also wear a surgical mask when removing animal flesh.
Step 2. Perform the maceration process
Maceration means releasing the flesh of a dead animal. You need to remove the flesh from the outside and inside of the skull. Place the skull in a bucket or large plastic trash can that has been filled with enzymatic detergent. There are several methods you can try.
- Maceration using cold water takes a long time. You will need to let the skull submerge in room temperature water and detergent for cold water. This detergent has enzymes that will break down organic substances. This is the safest way to clean the skull and keep it intact. This process can take a few days to weeks depending on the size of the skull.
- Hot water maceration, otherwise known as "cooking" the skull, is done by placing the skull in hot water and enzymatic detergent and heating it (not boiling it). You can use a stove or hotplate. Watch carefully. If you heat it too long or let the water boil, the skull can be damaged because the fat will be absorbed into the bones.
- Another way to remove meat from bones is to place it on an anthill. Put it in a cage or provide other protection to prevent the skull from being damaged or stolen by animals. The ants will clean the skull without causing any damage.
Step 3. Clean the grease
Remove the fat from the skull by soaking it for several days in a solution of water and dish soap that is able to penetrate the fat. This process is important because residual fat can cause a disgusting odor or buildup of fat on the surface of the bone.
- Use latex gloves when handling raw materials
- Change the water every day or when it looks cloudy
- This process is considered complete when the water remains clear for a day
Step 4. Dry the skull
Make sure the skull is completely dry before you start the bleaching process. Dry for a few days.
Place the skull on a cloth towel or several pieces of paper towels. Place it indoors so as not to attract the attention of animals or insects
Part 2 of 2: Whitening Skull
Step 1. Soak in hydrogen peroxide
Submerge the skull completely in a bowl full of water. Use about 300-450 ml of hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 35% for every 5 liters of water.
- Do not use chlorine-based bleach as it can damage bones and teeth.
- Chlorine bleach makes skulls shiny white. The natural color of the skull is ivory white or yellowish.
- Soak for at least 24 hours.
Step 2. Insert the teeth into the socket
If you choose one of the cleaning methods using water, the teeth will fall out of the socket. Save the teeth and stick them back using super glue.
Step 3. Use a cotton swab for the carnivore's teeth
Generally, preserved animals are carnivores with canines. Such teeth are generally smaller than the socket size.
Use a cotton ball that has been glued. Wrap the tooth with a cotton ball and insert it into the socket
Step 4. Dry the skull
Place the skull outdoors for 24 hours and dry in the sun. Let the glue harden. Since there is no organic matter attached to the skull, you don't have to worry about animals or insects.
Step 5. Preserve with polyurethane
Spray the skull with several coats of polyurethane. Allow each coat to dry before you spray the next. This will make the skull smooth and shiny.
