A nine-foot Nile crocodile throne, a 10-foot mounted Russian grizzly bear, a seven-foot Canadian polar bear, grey and white wolves, a pair of lynxes, and a double-headed baby goat — these could beautify your home. These well-preserved wildlife animals are on display and for sale at the 21st Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex).
According to organisers, Adihex, which runs until September 8 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), is not only an annual exhibition related to hunting, equestrian sports, and outdoor lifestyle but also a global platform for promoting cultural exchange between nations. It aims to ensure that future generations remain connected to their history and cultural traditions.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Dubai-based Artefactum Gallery is participating for the first time in Adihex: “To showcase their preserved wildlife animals and provide an immersive experience that celebrates human valour and creativity, as well as the beauty of the natural world.”
Speaking to Khaleej Times on Wednesday, Valeriya Khachaturova, curator of Artefactum Gallery, said the gallery’s most expensive item on display is a nine-foot Nile crocodile throne. With well-preserved skin and formidable claws, the throne was crafted from a 15-foot-long crocodile hunted by Russian gallery owner Andrey Zaykin in 2015.
Khachaturova, also from Russia, said the throne could be brought for $100,000 or Dh367,000.
Other preserved animals include a polar bear from Canada being sold for Dh250,000, a fully-mounted Ussuri brown bear (Russian grizzly bear) priced at Dh80,000, and a Grizzly bear skin rug available for Dh40,000.
They also have a well-preserved head of a Tibetan yak, double-headed baby goat, pinned butterflies and even small pieces of meteorite crafted into souvenir items.
At their art gallery in Dubai, Khachaturova said they have a skull of a prehistoric sea dragon (Mosasaur Prognathodon Sp), which is on sale for $500,000 or Dh1.835 million. She added they also have dinosaur teeth, other unique art made from mammoth ivory, and a decorative collection of entomological specimens.
Under strict regulations
Khachaturova, meanwhile, clarified that what they are doing at Artefactum Gallery – importing and trading preserved wildlife, “is sanctioned by the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and subject to various cultural regulations.”
“It is called taxidermy or the art of preserving dead animals by mounting or stuffing them to make them appear ‘lifelike’, noted Khachaturova, adding: “Taxidermists are not magicians but trained professionals who understand the complicated work of preserving a dead animal.”
“We also deal with professionals who do hunting professionally,” she continued: “These hunters know how to kill the animals properly. For example, when you kill a crocodile – you should strike it in the head with a fatal shot and not in the body, where it can still survive and probably die later and go down in the river.”
Cabinet of curiosities
Khachaturova also said preserving wildlife pays homage to the concept of ‘cabinet de curiosités’ (cabinet of curiosities), which was popular in the 17th century. Curators collected various items reflecting the art, science, and culture of that time.
She underscored, “We provide a unique and immersive experience showcasing human creativity and their connection to the natural world.”