BEJA: Manuel Almodovar, taxidermista, "Give life" to animals and birds.
Descendant of a family linked to the Alentejo field, agriculture and hunting, Manuel Almodovar, It has animals and birds to his great passion and also their "breadwinner".
Your job is to "give life" to the various copies of the two species, Manuel is taxidermista, unlike embalmer.
Name: Manuel Almodovar, Age: 38 year old
Profession: Taxidermista, Residence: Beja
The first is the "art" that will create the skeleton of the animal from the, a polyurethane mold, while working the skin, feathers or scales and join the group, for the part to be natural and have a "second life". Turn the embalmer used an easy and simple method, an injection of an organic chemical compound (formalin).
Amateur hunting, Early inherited what he calls a "work done and dynasties. My grandfather and my father also dedicated themselves to this art ", shoots smiling. To 32 years made a taxidermist course taught at the University of Cáceres (Spain), where his master one of the biggest names in the art of the neighboring country, Lorenzo Campon.
As he learned and he continues to work. "From every two weeks I go to Caceres, where do I work for Lorenzo who is emeritus ", recalling that for him "was treated like a son", remember.
In your, of the family, Quinta da Saudade, around Beja, Manuel is where Almodovar has the workshop and that's passing day, engrossed in it considers to be "a very detailed and complicated job", which requires a contact and a daily experience that "there is by primer or decree", justified.
A taxidermy head of an animal can cost 500 euros, but it has a lot of work associated. "Adding the hours of the various timings (manufacture of molds, flay, enjoy the skin, tool and finish), it takes at least five days ", brings out.
In the case of animals horns process it is further complicated since it requires cutting the skull base and its application to the mold. important detail to "give life" to animals, poultry or fish, are the eyes in glass, imported from the United States of America. But one of the newest of Almodovar Dynasty also makes hunting trophies, passing by notching skulls, teeth or horns.
But there is a new booming market in taxidermy, passing the domestic pets (dogs and cats). Manuel recalled a case involving a wealthy Chinese lady: "Sent me to deal with his German shepherd who had died. When he saw the animal cried and did not dare to take him for being so real. Paid and still is waiting Caceres ", ends.
Through your hands has passed the manufacture of over a thousand pieces and a wild male killed in Valencia "was what gave me work harder enjoyment", also recalling a duck "offered D.Isabel of Heredia, by a cousin ", synthesizes.
But the future goals of Manuel go further: "I want to work with birds for museums and collectors", says to dream.
Teixeira Correia
(journalist)
