Title
Death and Taxidermy: How the Process of Taxidermy Ties in to Modern Society’s Discomfort with Death
Date of Award
Spring 3-9-2018
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of arts (BA)
Department
Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
First Advisor
Michael Allen
Abstract
“Death and Taxidermy: How the Process of Taxidermy ties in to Modern Society’s Discomfort with Death” examines the relationship between current western discomfort with taxidermy and the strengthening relationship of companion animals with humans. This strengthening of the relationship is facilitating the rising level of grief that comes with losing a pet thus allowing that loss to equate to the loss of a family member. By dispelling the mystery surrounding the process by which a taxidermy specimen is made, where it comes from and why these specimens are vital to educational advancement in the museum, we can discuss why society has decided that these specimens are distasteful in the modern cultural narrative. The philosophical notion of the museum and the practical experience that comes with actually participating in the process of taxidermy have been completely separate until now. This paper seeks to bring these two different views on museums together to spark a new conversation and exchange of ideas.
Recommended Citation
Monroe, Caitlin, "Death and Taxidermy: How the Process of Taxidermy Ties in to Modern Society’s Discomfort with Death" (2018). History Undergraduate Theses. 35.
https://digitalcommons.tacoma.uw.edu/history_theses/35
Included in
Cultural History Commons, European History Commons, Intellectual History Commons, Museum Studies Commons, Ornithology Commons, Other Sociology Commons, Public History Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons