Two Headed Duckling A
Along with legitimate uses for research and artistic purposes, taxidermy was a sideshow favorite. Literally translated “skin art,” taxidermy is the process of preserving animals in a lifelike condition. Taxidermy animals most popular in a sideshow included those with a unique, naturally occurring condition, such as a two-headed calf.
Taxidermy animals with unusual features are not to be confused with the notorious “gaffes.” Gaffes were objects that artisans created to look like a naturally occurring phenomenon. In short, they were fakes. Since they were guaranteed to attract crowds, hence revenue, the more shocking, the better. Gaffes ranged from mythical beings such as the chupacabra to a two-headed duck.
One of the most prolific gaff artists was Homer Tate, who made artifacts using mud, and paper bones and sold them for a small sum to roadside attractions in the 1930s and 1940’s. These pieces were passed off as mummies, shrunken heads and mermaids, just to name a few. Today his works are highly sought after by collectors and sell for thousands of dollars. This gaffe was created by Josh Bladzik.
Donor: On Loan from Heather Upton
Adopted by: Annmarie Knobbs
Along with legitimate uses for research and artistic purposes, taxidermy was a sideshow favorite. Literally translated “skin art,” taxidermy is the process of preserving animals in a lifelike condition. Taxidermy animals most popular in a sideshow included those with a unique, naturally occurring condition, such as a two-headed calf.
Taxidermy animals with unusual features are not to be confused with the notorious “gaffes.” Gaffes were objects that artisans created to look like a naturally occurring phenomenon. In short, they were fakes. Since they were guaranteed to attract crowds, hence revenue, the more shocking, the better. Gaffes ranged from mythical beings such as the chupacabra to a two-headed duck.
One of the most prolific gaff artists was Homer Tate, who made artifacts using mud, and paper bones and sold them for a small sum to roadside attractions in the 1930s and 1940’s. These pieces were passed off as mummies, shrunken heads and mermaids, just to name a few. Today his works are highly sought after by collectors and sell for thousands of dollars. This gaffe was created by Josh Bladzik.
Donor: On Loan from Heather Upton
Adopted by: Annmarie Knobbs