SKULLS UNLIMITED INTERNATIONAL NEWS |
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A Whale of a Tale
 In summer of 2005, Skulls Unlimited International was commissioned to articulate an historic and controversial gray whale skeleton for the Makah Tribe of Neah Bay Washington. This specimen, harvested in 1999, marked the first whale hunted by the tribe in more than 70 years.
The skeleton arrived at Skulls Unlimited in several crates. The skeleton had been prepared prior by local Neah Bay High School students who volunteered over 1000 hours to clean the smelly carcass. It took several Skulls Unlimited technicians over 170 hours to assemble the specimen.
Skulls Unlimited Master Articulator, Clark Griffith, said; "I did a lot of research into whale skeletons and I read some background about the tribe and their whaling history. I feel really privileged to put this whale together." Nathan Pamplin, marine mammal biologist for the Makah tribe, contacted Skulls Unlimited after seeing their work at a conference. "They were a very professional outfit and they've just done an incredible job with this skeleton," said Pamplin. In December of 2005, members of the Skulls Unlimited staff flew to Neah Bay for the re-articulation and hanging of the skeleton.
The Makah tribe historically hunted gray whales for subsistence and ceremonial purposes. Due to opposition, the tribal hunts have once again been placed on hold pending further environmental reviews. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the tribe's treaty rights have been modified by federal law. The tribe is now going through a process to acquire a waiver under the law. The gray whale is not an endangered species but is protected in the United States by the Federal Marine Mammal Act of 1972.
Skulls Unlimited Goes Hollywood
Skulls Unlimited has collaborated with Engel Entertainment, www.engelentertainment.com, to develop a television program about the inner workings of the company. Jenna Helwig of Engel says; "We're so excited to be working with the crew at Skulls Unlimited. It's such a unique business, and we love to give people a glimpse into worlds they don't otherwise know about." Engel, whose slogan reads "Everything but the Everyday", has produced a number of popular science and history based programs including "Reptile Kings," "Cannibals" and the "Mummy Road Show" series. Chances are, if you watch Animal Planet, Discovery or the National Geographic Channel, you've seen some of their work. Jay Villemarette, Skulls Unlimited owner, says; "Although we are not sure where this project may go, we are excited at the opportunity." We will bring you more updates as they occur.
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SEPTEMBER T-SHIRT CONTEST WINNER |
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This months winner is....... Jess Gonynor, Boston, MA. Jess will receive a $50 Skulls Unlimited gift certificate. To enter the Skulls Unlimited T-shirt Contest, simply send us a color photograph, or digital image showing you or someone you know wearing one of our T-shirts. Originality will count, so choose a pose in front of a well known landmark, at your job, exotic regions of the world, in the classroom or just lounging around. Each entry will receive a gift certificate for $9.95. We will choose a new winner each month. To learn more about the t-shirt contest or to see previous entries,
Visit
http://www.skullsunlimited.com/t-shirt_contest.html.
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Jess Gonynor
Boston, MA
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 MUSEUM OF OSTEOLOGY UPDATE
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Construction of Skulls Unlimited International's Museum of Osteology continues at full speed. With the second level mezzanine and classroom nearly finished, our attention turns to exhibit design and construction. The museum is the life long dream of Skulls Unlimited's owner, Jay Villemarette. This 501-C3 non-profit museum is housed in a 9200 square foot building located directly adjacent to the Skulls Unlimited International offices. While it will not be the largest museum ever, it will be the only museum of its kind, featuring more than 5000 skulls and skeletons that represent over 1000 species.
Joey Williams, Director of Education for the Museum of Osteology and Skulls Unlimited, provides the following virtual tour; "Upon entering the museum, you move into a large hall full of massive, articulated skeletons. Rhino, hippo, giraffe and elephant, to name a few, will greet you on the ground level. Educational displays featuring adaptation, locomotion and classification will surround the hall on three sides. As you look up, a huge 45-foot humpback whale skeleton will lie suspended from the ceiling, flanked by many smaller whales, dolphins and seals. The second level will consist of a circular mezzanine walkway, lined by more educational displays and featuring hundreds of skulls and skeletons. From this level, you will be able to gaze across the glass railed balcony to view the whale's structure more closely or look eye to eye with the 15-foot tall giraffe. When your visit, is over a stop at the gift shop will satisfy anyone's need for souvenirs or educational gifts."
In addition to self-guided tours, The Museum of Osteology will feature educational tours to schools and specialty groups. Participants will have the opportunity to experience all the museum has to offer, then head up to the classroom for a hands-on activity. Fees will be based around other local attractions with group discounts available. The Museum of Osteology should be open to the public in late 2007. You can monitor the museum's progress and view photos at our website; www.museumofosteology.org
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FEATURED NEW ITEMS |
Female Gorilla Death Mask
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Female Gorilla Death Mask
All specimen casts are molded and cast from original specimens. The Gorilla Death Mask was prepared in our facilities here at Skulls Unlimited.
| WBC-338 Replica | | Museum Quality: $99.95 |
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at http://www.skullsunlimited.com/Male_Gorilla.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
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Snapping Turtle Skull Replica
The snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina, gets its name from the defensive biting snaps it exhibits when threatened. This bite can inflict substantial injuries to the curious predator.
| WTQ-521 Skull - Replica | | Teaching Quality: $44.00 |
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at http://www.skullsunlimited.com/snapping-turtle-skull.html
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
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Snapping Turtle Skull
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Medical Study Skull
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Disarticulated Human Medical Study Skull and Case
This modern human skull was cast from separate bones. This skull is ideal for osteological teaching, allowing students to appreciate the individual bones, sutures, and foramina. Storage case included.
| WBC-116 Skull - Replica | Museum Quality: $1,125.95 |
Order Online with our secure shopping cart at http://www.skullsunlimited.com/medical-study-skull.htm
Order by phone at 1800-659-SKULL or 405-794-9300
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NEWSLETTER EXCLUSIVE |
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New Limited Edition Skulls Unlimited T-Shirt
This special edition t-shirt is only being produced in a small quantity. We are offering it exclusively to our newsletter subscribers before it is listed on our website. Unlike our other new designs, this t-shirt will not be re-printed. When they are gone, they are gone forever. Get your piece of Skulls Unlimited history today for this incredible price!
Only $12.00 each! Order at; http://www.skullsunlimited.com/new-t-shirt.htm
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Stay tuned for the October SUI newsletter featuring more museum updates, new products and some exciting news for Skulls Unlimited. |
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