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Wood carving skull is famous worldwide and has many varieties. Based on the culture, material, and the way of making them, they can be divided into several types. They include:
Traditional Native American skull carvings
They are called so because they are famous for using buffalo or elk bone to make these carvings. These are not only unique but also religious and useful items. They are mostly made into amulets or talismans.
Celtic skull carvings
The celtic skull carvings are unique due to the knotwork patterns that are usually chiselled onto the surface. Many of them are made of heavy woods such as oak or mahogany and are often associated with stories from Irish or Scottish folklore.
Asian influenced skull carvings
Asian influenced carvings include Buddhist skull carvings, which tend to focus more on symbols like the lotus or the Dharmachakra rather than the skull itself. They highlight spiritual themes for meditation. Though often made from wood, ivory or stone are sometimes used in such places where the carvings are sacred altars.
Modern artistic skull carvings
Contemporary artists care less about the cultural significance of the skull and use more abstract or surrealist approaches. They have many styles and are not made of just one material, but using plaster, resin, or glass, which can be very colourful. This makes the difference between these carvings and those of the ancestors, which were more focused on one theme.
Like any other product, these items have many designs pedestrians consider to increase sales and satisfy their clients. These designs include:
Anatomical skulls
These are precise and detailed skulls showing the internal structure of the human or animal skull. It aims to fix all features, including holes, ridges, and bumps. It is mostly used by medics or someone who is trying to make the carving a replica of the skull for artistic reasons.
Stylised or decorative skulls
Some skulls are not intended to be anatomically correct, but they are beautified to make them more attractive. For instance, one can add floral patterns, geometric designs, or even cultural motifs like tribal tattoos. These stylised skulls are more of an artistic creation than a scientific one.
Skulls with cultural motifs
This design is mostly about adding cultural elements to the skull shape. Rather than just a plain skull, the artist adds personal touches that relate to a particular culture. The designs can be skulls with a Mexican Day of the Dead theme, Norse runes, celtic knots, or a native American headdress.
Functional skulls
Some designs are considered ornamental, such as decorative purposes only; however, some also have functional uses. For example, a small skull carved with a cavity can be used as a container for storing tiny items like rings or herbs. Some may also feature hooks or stands, making them useful for hanging or displaying other objects.
Fantasy or mythical skulls
Fantasy skulls are those that do not belong to any known species. There are artists that create unique skull designs and attribute them to mythical creatures like dragons, unicorns, or other fantasy beings. These are widely used in fantasy art and decor.
It is crucial to the retailer’s success for them to stock what their customers want. When selecting the wooden skull carving, the following factors should be considered:
Material of the wood
The profit margin for a retailer highly depends on the material of the wood used to make the wooden skull carving. Hardwoods such as oak and maple are more expensive to buy and more valuable when selling than soft woods such as pine. Carvings made from other materials, such as bone, tend to have a higher cost also.
Origin
Skull carvings from particular regions may be deemed attractive or fashionable where the retailer is located. Skull carvings made by indigenous artists may be considered ethical and thus preferred by some customers. Other regions where the carvings are thought to have unique artistic characteristics might be in high demand.
Size and weight
These are practical considerations for the retailers. The size of the wooden skull carvings will have an impact on the shipping cost, while the size will decide the cost of storage and the pricing strategy. Big wooden skull carvings are expensive to ship, and the cost is transferred to storage as they are bulky to store.
Craftsmanship
The skill and experience of the carver affect the quality of the wooden skull carvings. Identify the few trusted carvers in the area and stock the best work that they get from them. Look out for the details embedded in the design and the smoothness of the overall finishes.
Target customers' preferences
Different customers have different preferences. It is crucial to the retailer’s success that they stock what their customers prefer. Retailers should consider their target customers' interests and get the carvings that will attract them. If the target customers are young, fashionable people, stock modern designs. However, when targeting traditional customers, go for antique models.
There are decorative and traditional wooden skull carving customers use in different ways. Some of the ways that customers can use the skull pattern artistic carvings include:
As decoration
Wooden skull carving is mainly placed in offices or at home as decoration. Since most of these skull carvings are crafted with artistic skills and made of quality materials, they become centrepieces attracting beautiful attention in the places they are put. They can also be classified as gothic or tribal decorations.
In spiritual practices
Some cultures consider a wooden skull carving a powerful tool for spiritual or ritualistic activities. For instance, native Americans use animal skulls in some of their spiritual ceremonies. Other cultures, like the Tibetans, consider skulls sacred items and use them in prayer or meditation. Wooden skulls are believed to help connect with ancestors and the spiritual world.
As jewelry
Some wooden skull carvings are converted into pendants, earrings, or rings. This offers a unique and alternative style to the people who are looking for intricate and detailed artistic designs for their accessories.
Educational purposes
Also, these carvings can be used to teach people about the human anatomy or even animal anatomy. Students can use these models physically to learn about the structure and make comparisons with two or more different skulls.
Incorporated into other art forms
Wooden skull carvings can be used in other art, such as paintings. Artists can get ideas or even use the carvings as props in photography, video production, and performance art. For example, a sculptor can make a wooden skull carving the basis of a clay mould or the beginning of an expression where other media are used.
Maintenance is crucial since there are many ways to use a product, which in this case is wooden skull carving. Some of the maintenance tips that customers should follow include:
Regular dusting
It is advised that wooden skull carvings be regularly dusted with a soft and dry cloth daily or even weekly. This helps to avoid the buildup of dust, which can be harmful to the carvings and affect their aesthetics.
Avoid direct sunlight
Avoid putting wooden skull carvings where there is direct sunlight since UV rays negatively impact the wood and cause the carving to lose its colour. Rearrange these items in spaces that have moderate lighting to preserve their colour and keep the quality intact.
Control humidity and temperature
In ideal conditions, the wooden skull carvings should be maintained in an environment that does not experience too much humidity or is too dry. They should also be kept in a region where there are no sudden changes in temperature. Humidity is harmful to wooden carvings since it causes the wood to swell or even crack, while dry conditions cause the wood to lose its moisture and, thus, the development of cracks and splits.
Use natural oils
To maintain the luster of the wooden skull carvings and to keep them in good condition, one should apply natural oils (like flaxseed oil or coconut oil) on the carvings from time to time. The frequency of using oils on the carvings should be low and moderate to avoid oily and greasy carvings.
Avoid exposure to water
Water on wooden skull carvings is unsafe and could ruin the item. It is advisable to keep these items dry and wipe any wet cloth that accidentally touches the carvings.
Use a soft cloth for polishing
Whenever it's time to apply oil or wax, use a soft cloth instead of an abrasive one. This prevents scratches and other damage to the carvings.
Storage is a very important aspect for retailers who are just starting in their business. They have to make the right choices on how to stock the wooden skull carvings, especially because they have limited capital and resources. The following tips shall help store the wooden skull carving properly:
Maintain a controlled environment
Wooden skull carvings should be kept in a controlled environment that has an average humidity level and temperature. The ideal range of humidity and temperature suitable for storing these items is 45-55% humidity and 60-70° F (15-21° C) temperature. This helps prevent any damage like cracking or warping.
Use protective cases
If wooden skull carvings are to be displayed or put in stock, then/protective display cases or cabinets with glass/ acrylic fronts are ideal for these items. This helps to protect the carvings from dust and other damage that may occur with time, perhaps by handling or accidents.
Proper handling
When a retailer is moving or rearranging wooden skull carvings, they should always hold them from the sturdiest parts and not the protruding designs. This way, the carvings do not get damaged, and the designs remain intact.
Organise using padding
If there is any need to store in a warehouse or inventory space for wooden skull carvings, then the first step would be to ensure that the items were well padded. Each carving should have a soft cloth, foam, or bubble wrap around it to reduce the impact on the items in case they come into contact during storage.
Store vertically
Skull carvings should be stored vertically like traditional skulls to prevent any pressure or weight from coming down on the carvings and, thus, no chance of breaking or chipping. If it is required to stack them, then place a piece of padding between each carving.
Keep away from direct sunlight
Avoid putting wooden skull carvings where there is direct sunlight since it causes the wood to lose its colour. In case the stock is displayed, it should be stored in a display that does not allow direct access to sunlight.
A1. Yes, retailers can use a wooden skull carving outdoors. However, it's better to use a weatherproof finish like marine varnish or spar urethane for protection.
A2. The best cleaning method for wooden skull carvings is regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or harsh chemicals to prevent damage.
A3. While wooden skull carvings can be durable, they may be more fragile than other materials. Proper care and handling are essential to prevent chipping or breaking.
A4. Wood carving skulls might initially have a natural scent of the type of wood used, like cedar or oak. With time, they might smell like the oils or waxes applied for maintenance. However, if not maintained properly, they can develop a musty or stale smell.
A5. The lifespan of wooden skull carvings can vary based on care. With proper maintenance and protection from the elements, they can last many years. varnish can extend their life further by protecting them from moisture and UV exposure.
