{"title":"NATURAL HISTORY","description":"\u003cp\u003eNatural history, anatomy, \u0026amp; preserved curiosities.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"mid-century-taxidermy-armadillo-purse-w-mirror-braided-strap","title":"Mid-Century Taxidermy Armadillo Purse w\/ Mirror \u0026 Braided Strap","description":"\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"11v4tgk\" data-start=\"558\" data-end=\"574\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eArchive Notes\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"576\" data-end=\"751\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVintage Genuine Armadillo Handbag - Taxidermy Folk Art Purse\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eA mid-century handbag made from a genuine preserved armadillo carapace, complete with the animal’s head and armored feet arranged across the domed body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"1183\"\u003eThe shell has been adapted into a purse. The hinged flap opens to reveal a small circular mirror, while a braided burgundy strap allows the piece to be carried over the shoulder. The interior is lined in dark burgundy leather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1185\" data-end=\"1799\"\u003eThese armadillo purses belong to a peculiar chapter in American souvenir history. In 1898, German immigrant and basket maker Charles Apelt opened an armadillo-goods factory near Comfort, Texas. His workshop turned shells into baskets, purses, lamps and other novelties; within roughly six years, the business reportedly sold about 40,000 pieces. The enterprise continued under the Apelt family for decades before closing in 1971. Similar bags were also produced elsewhere in Texas, the American Southwest and Mexico.\u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"fykqkn\" data-start=\"3100\" data-end=\"3110\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3112\" data-end=\"4962\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6ethls\" data-start=\"3112\" data-end=\"3204\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3114\" data-end=\"3125\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Probably United States or Mexico\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"3207\" data-end=\"3216\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid-20th century, (c 1930s–1960s)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6ethls\" data-start=\"3112\" data-end=\"3204\"\u003e\n\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3270\" data-end=\"3283\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Genuine preserved armadillo carapace, head and feet; leather trim; braided cord; metal clasp; mirror; leather lined interior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6ethls\" data-start=\"3112\" data-end=\"3204\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"o82yvs\" data-start=\"3427\" data-end=\"3581\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3429\" data-end=\"3444\"\u003eDecoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Naturally patterned armored shell with darker staining, reddish-brown stitched leather flap and matching burgundy braided shoulder strap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"19k4s4k\" data-start=\"3668\" data-end=\"3864\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3670\" data-end=\"3683\"\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Preserved armadillo head and multiple clawed feet; hinged flap with circular interior mirror; functioning turn-style clasp; shoulder-length braided strap; lined storage compartment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6ethls\" data-start=\"3112\" data-end=\"3204\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6ethls\" data-start=\"3112\" data-end=\"3204\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6ethls\" data-start=\"3112\" data-end=\"3204\"\u003e\n\u003ca data-encoded-tag-name=\"meta\" data-encoded-tag-value=\"\" data-encoded-attr-charset=\"VVRGLTg=\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3882\" data-start=\"3867\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 12 in. wide × 8 in. high; approximately 20 in. from the top of the strap to its attachment point on the bag. \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3267\" data-start=\"3205\" data-section-id=\"qr2nf5\"\u003e\u003ca data-encoded-tag-name=\"meta\" data-encoded-tag-value=\"\" data-encoded-attr-charset=\"VVRGLTg=\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"DEADSKULL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46540819529925,"sku":null,"price":345.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/4849\/0949\/files\/770CEEF7-8E38-4D38-990F-7BE5DF419132.png?v=1784163140"},{"product_id":"butterfly","title":"Large Vintage Morpho Butterfly Wing Mosaic Display Plate","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"tbtqo7\" data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1184\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eArchive Notes\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1186\" data-end=\"1453\"\u003eThe electric blue color comes from microscopic structures on each butterfly wing that refract light. This produces an iridescence that shifts between cobalt, violet, and turquoise as the viewing angle and lighting changes. During the mid-20th century, artisans in South America transformed naturally collected wings into decorative mosaics. Spiral compositions like this required hundreds of carefully arranged wing sections surrounding a complete butterfly at the center. It can be displayed on the wall or used as a dish \/ tray. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2140\" data-end=\"2143\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"1i7x1es\" data-start=\"2145\" data-end=\"2154\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2156\" data-end=\"2775\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1mdc43y\" data-start=\"2191\" data-end=\"2220\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2193\" data-end=\"2202\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1950s - 1970s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1anyplf\" data-start=\"2221\" data-end=\"2290\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2237\"\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue Morpho butterfly wings, glass, metal tray\/frame\u003cstrong data-start=\"2293\" data-end=\"2308\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"engmxq\" data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2487\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2407\" data-end=\"2420\"\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hanging loop on reverse; suitable for wall display or tabletop use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1qz4x09\" data-start=\"2488\" data-end=\"2535\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2490\" data-end=\"2505\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 12 in. diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1p9xriz\" data-start=\"2536\" data-end=\"2775\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2538\" data-end=\"2552\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good vintage condition. Displays expected age-related wear to the metal rim and reverse. Butterfly wings remain vibrant beneath the glass with minor age-related imperfections consistent with vintage natural history pieces. Please examine photographs carefully.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"DEADSKULL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46588300001477,"sku":null,"price":245.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/4849\/0949\/files\/FF4B6869-D09B-4F12-ABBC-2B007390AE83.jpg?v=1784922068"},{"product_id":"morpho-small","title":"Small Vintage Morpho Butterfly Wing Mosaic Display Plate","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eArchive Notes\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe electric blue color comes from microscopic structures on each butterfly wing that refract light. This produces an iridescence that shifts between cobalt, violet, and turquoise as the viewing angle and lighting changes. During the mid-20th century, artisans in South America transformed naturally collected wings into decorative mosaics. Spiral compositions like this required hundreds of carefully arranged wing sections surrounding a complete butterfly at the center. It can be displayed on the wall or used as a dish \/ tray. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eDetails\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1950s - 1970s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue Morpho butterfly wings, glass, metal tray\/frame\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hanging loop on reverse; suitable for wall display or tabletop use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 5 in. diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good vintage condition. Displays expected age-related wear to the metal rim and reverse. Butterfly wings remain vibrant beneath the glass with minor age-related imperfections consistent with vintage natural history pieces. Please examine photographs carefully.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"DEADSKULL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46660272259269,"sku":null,"price":130.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/4849\/0949\/files\/A3D00A3F-B813-4F9B-A218-9647121374DB.jpg?v=1785883557"},{"product_id":"blue-morph-medium","title":"Medium Vintage Morpho Butterfly Wing Mosaic Display Plate","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eArchive Notes\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe electric blue color comes from microscopic structures on each butterfly wing that refract light. This produces an iridescence that shifts between cobalt, violet, and turquoise as the viewing angle and lighting changes. During the mid-20th century, artisans in South America transformed naturally collected wings into decorative mosaics. Spiral compositions like this required hundreds of carefully arranged wing sections surrounding a complete butterfly at the center. It can be displayed on the wall or used as a dish \/ tray. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eDetails\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1950s - 1970s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue Morpho butterfly wings, glass, metal tray\/frame\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hanging loop on reverse; suitable for wall display or tabletop use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 6 in. diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good vintage condition. Displays expected age-related wear to the metal rim and reverse. Butterfly wings remain vibrant beneath the glass with minor age-related imperfections consistent with vintage natural history pieces. Please examine photographs carefully.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"DEADSKULL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46660289560773,"sku":null,"price":145.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/4849\/0949\/files\/103B0B66-1F0D-4E6C-8EE6-BE8BDC845E31.png?v=1785884461"},{"product_id":"deer","title":"Vintage Folk Art Deer Skull w\/ Painted Skin","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eArchive Notes\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis ceremonial genuine deer skull has a painted panel of reddish-brown hide running along the forehead and down the nasal ridge. Additional dark fur frames the base of the horns. The decoration seems very shamanic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early-mid 20th century.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Real deer skull and antlers, painted hide, and fur.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural antlers, applied fur collar and mask-like facial treatment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 12 in. high × 9 in. long\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Displays considerable age and handmade character. Natural bone has patina, discoloration, scratches, small losses and irregularities. Please review all photographs closely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"DEADSKULL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46660296474821,"sku":null,"price":245.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/4849\/0949\/files\/7B1C6939-7963-4002-860C-E96F528C7A6D2.png?v=1785884533"},{"product_id":"goat-skin","title":"Vintage Javanese Wayang Deity on Pierced Goatskin","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eArchive Notes\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn extraordinary piece of Indonesian folk art with traditional leatherworking techniques of \u003cstrong\u003eJavanese wayang kulit\u003c\/strong\u003e on an entire natural goatskin hide (including the tail). At the center is a hand-painted and extensively pierced detailing worked through the skin itself. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis follows the traditional construction of \u003cem\u003ewayang kulit\u003c\/em\u003e, in which an artist cuts and punches the decoration using small chisels. The cut-outs are fundamental to the appearance of a traditional shadow puppet. Light passes through and around all the openings and transforms into a moving shadow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figure is visible from the flesh side as a ghostly image, outlining the decoration penetrating through the hide. Easily displays on the wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indonesia, Java\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid-20th century\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural goatskin hide, pigments\/paint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-painted wayang figure with extensive pierced, punched, cut and incised detailing executed through the hide in the manner of traditional wayang kulit leatherwork\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eApx: 35 inches Tall × 24 inches Wide\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vintage condition with wear consistent with age and construction. Natural variation throughout the hide with irregular edges, and some discoloration \/ surface wear. Irregularities to the perimeter are inherent to the natural hide. Please examine photographs closely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"DEADSKULL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46660300079301,"sku":null,"price":425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/4849\/0949\/files\/5D74F8CA-7287-45A2-AAA7-090B07E96C23.jpg?v=1785884947"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/4849\/0949\/collections\/FF48DAE9-4EEB-4F06-ADCB-32692D5CBF5B_f7ccda31-5adf-4456-bf5e-bb70b816dc32.png?v=1786409030","url":"https:\/\/deadskull.co\/collections\/specimens.oembed","provider":"DEADSKULL","version":"1.0","type":"link"}