About the process
When Chanelle first started out with her skull carving venture, many farmers in the Kalahari Desert area donated skulls they found in the field. These Antelopes died of natural causes. The cleaning process, as mentioned earlier consists of three steps. These steps ensure that the bone of the skull as well as the horns are not compromised
When Chanelle first started out with her skull carving venture, many farmers in the Kalahari Desert area donated skulls they found in the field. These Antelopes died of natural causes. The cleaning process, as mentioned earlier consists of three steps. These steps ensure that the bone of the skull as well as the horns are not compromised. Maceration, Degreasing and Whitening. It is important to preserve and protect the bone, as Chanelle's main policy is guaranteeing that the art work will last generations.
Initially Chanelle took the challenge of cleaning the skulls herself on the farm, so she has a deep understanding of the process, and can immediately identify when a skull has not been cleaned and prepared according to the three steps. When her business started to gain some momentum, she found a Taxidermist in Kuruman (three hour drive
Initially Chanelle took the challenge of cleaning the skulls herself on the farm, so she has a deep understanding of the process, and can immediately identify when a skull has not been cleaned and prepared according to the three steps. When her business started to gain some momentum, she found a Taxidermist in Kuruman (three hour drive from her farm) and Chanelle was delighted to learn that Ruan from Hunter's Heart also follows the three steps. Since then, she has been using Ruan's service to clean the skulls. The taxidermy has all the relevant documentation to ensure the skulls are not infested, and can be exported legally.
Chanelle sources the skulls from farms all over the Kalahari Desert. They were either found in the field and died of natural causes, or the have been hunted professionally in a humane way. The animals are not hunted for the purpose of creating Chanelle's artwork. The skulls she sources are from farmers and hunters who would have discarde
Chanelle sources the skulls from farms all over the Kalahari Desert. They were either found in the field and died of natural causes, or the have been hunted professionally in a humane way. The animals are not hunted for the purpose of creating Chanelle's artwork. The skulls she sources are from farmers and hunters who would have discarded the skulls. Chanelle gives new life to the animal in the form of her art. It is a celebration and “rebirth”of the life and beauty of the animals, to be appreciated and admired for years to come.