But couldn't find an answer to my question. Just received a zebra cape from a reputable tannery that normally does a nice job on african hides. After rehydrating. I found that much of the back (dorsal side) of the cape still contains a good deal of the cartilage layer (very thin). Could the hide have been properly tanned without the removal of the cartilage? It is very thin and very tight to the hide. It certainly is supple enough to mount as it is, but will I get proper adhesion to the form with it still intact and will it pose a problem down the road if it is left on?
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this is typical of this ruminant species......it will not effect your mount, but it can be removed using a dremal with a sanding drum........this will also allow you to raise, and properly align the mane with out cowlicks or irregular mane hair placement in your finished mount.
I appreciate the information. It looks like a pain but I'll remove it.
not as bad as you think.....I use a dremal all the time to thin down the tanned skin of all my African mounts......fast, and leaves no holes to sew...use a course drum and grind away...you will know when to stop when you see alot of peppering of hair roots..this is the best way to thin a tanned cape that I have found......give me your e mail address, and I will send you some pictures using this method on African game.........
Zebras, Horse and mules are members of the family of Equid. Have one stomach.
Deer, cattle, Bison, most of the African Plains game of the four hooved variaty with split hooves are RUMINAT. Mulitie stomached and reguratate thier foods for chewing while resting.
Other than that Bruce is right about how to handle the mane on all maned species.
You may wish to use screen wire and lace the mane with wire on each side. using a long needle and thread, you can control the mane better this way.
you are right, and I stand corrected......I am used to dealing with the classification based on export documents for the legal Zebra species from Africa......they do not usualy export as Equids, but a ruminant game......I am familar with the the parts of Equids hoofs, sole,white line, frog, cleft of the frog etc.........your correction is accurate and I stand corrected.
The tannery I am most familier with does 20-30 zebras a week and doesnt leave any cartilage on them. Thats the only way I think they should be. I am not a taxidermist, but wouldnt cartilage left on a skin cut down on the amount of stretch?