I have a question regarding skulls from Africa. I have Warthog and Zebra skulls that started off white but now have yellow spots coming through. It almost looks like oil. Any clue what's going on?

Thanks,

Robert

Hi Robert,

I owned a taxidermy shop for several years and have seen this before. The skulls need to be degreased. Grease down inside the bone has finally worked it's way to the surface and will continue to show the discoloration unless you get it out.

The easiest way is to get enough white gas (i.e. Coleman fuel or a generic) and soak the skulls in it (completely submerged) for 2-3 days. It wouldn't hurt to drill a couple of tiny holes into the discolored areas if you can do it from an angle where you won't see the holes.

This is a very common occurrence in hog and bear skulls also.

Good luck.

JDS

It's of no help to you now, but the way to avoid that happening is to soak the head in water over night BEFORE boiling it out. Boil when still wet. This opens up the pores in the bone and lets the fat leech out as it boils.

When I hunted in Namibia, the skulls went into these large tanks that just sat in the sun. The heat was sufficient to do the job, but not hot enough to release the fats. I was told that this prevented yellowing of the skull. Ku-dude