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 adorn your home. These meticulously preserved wildlife specimens are on display and available for purchase at the 21st Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex).
Organizers state that Adihex, which continues until September 8 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), is not only an annual event focused on hunting, equestrian sports, and outdoor lifestyle but also serves as a global platform for fostering cultural exchange among nations. It strives to maintain a connection between future generations and their historical and cultural heritage.
Dubai-based Artefactum Gallery is participating in Adihex for the first time: "To exhibit their preserved wildlife specimens and offer an immersive experience that honors human valor and creativity, as well as the splendor of the natural world." Valeriya Khachaturova, curator of Artefactum Gallery, informed Khaleej Times on Wednesday that the gallery's most prized exhibit is a nine-foot Nile crocodile throne. Crafted from a 15-foot-long crocodile hunted by Russian gallery owner Andrey Zaykin in 2015, the throne features well-preserved skin and formidable claws.
Khachaturova, also from Russia, noted that the throne could be purchased for $100,000 or Dh367,000. Other preserved animals include a Canadian polar bear priced at Dh250,000, a fully-mounted Ussuri brown bear (Russian grizzly bear) at Dh80,000, and a Grizzly bear skin rug for Dh40,000. They also feature a well-preserved head of a Tibetan yak, a double-headed baby goat, pinned butterflies, and even small pieces of meteorite crafted into souvenir items.
At their Dubai gallery, Khachaturova mentioned they have a skull of a prehistoric sea dragon (Mosasaur Prognathodon Sp) on sale for $500,000 or Dh1.835 million. She added that they also offer dinosaur teeth, unique art made from mammoth ivory, and a decorative collection of entomological specimens.
Khachaturova clarified that their activities at Artefactum Gallery – importing and trading preserved wildlife, "are sanctioned by the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and comply with various cultural regulations." She explained that taxidermy, or the art of preserving dead animals by mounting or stuffing them to appear 'lifelike', is a skill mastered by trained professionals who understand the complex process of preserving a dead animal.
Khachaturova also highlighted that preserving wildlife pays tribute to the concept of 'cabinet de curiosités' (cabinet of curiosities), popular in the 17th century. She emphasized, "We provide a unique and immersive experience showcasing human creativity and their connection to the natural world."
