THE CHARNEL BOX
noun /ˈCHärnl/

“A Charnel House” is a vault or building where human skeletal remains are stored. They are often built near churches for depositing bones that are unearthed while digging graves. “The Charnel Box” is my custom enclosure for bone cleaning.

+ Do you kill the animals?
The majority of specimens I use are found in the wild or on the side of the road — they are not intentionally killed by my own hand. Any hunted or trapped animals were acquired legally for food, science, or population control. The rats for the workshops are humanely killed post scientific studies or bred for feeding larger animals. Fair ethics and morals are used as a guide for all acquisition.

+ How are the bones cleaned?
A personal colony of thousands of dermestid beetles complete a meticulous cleaning on every inch of bone. The process can take hours to months depending on the size of the piece and flesh consistency.

+ Can you reconstruct my pet?
Yes. Some specimens are left as separated bones or preserved in formalin. Others are re-articulated or taxidermied into their native or unique structures.

+ How do I provide you the specimen?
Located in Colorado Springs, you may drop off your piece(s) any day of the week. Pickup/drop-off outside of the city/state can be scheduled. See Shipping instructions below.

+ How long are the classes?
The class normally lasts about 4 hours. It can last up to 5 hours if there is a large group or if students would like to take their time.

+ I want to use my own specimen.
I do not advice using your own find for your first project. If you have experience with taxidermy you may bring your own piece. Be sure that it has been frozen to kill off foreign organisms. Thaw for at least 4 hours before class.

+ May I bring some clothes or a hat for my piece?
Feel free to bring any props or a base to attach to your creation. This will help inspire the final positioning.

+ Is there a lot of blood?
You will encounter a very small amount of blood and internal organs during the dissection. The process is fairly clean.

+ Do I have to be 18?
I have taught children as young as 9. The guardian must sign a consent form if under the age of 18.
– Consent Form Here –

• Many ancient cultures believed that eternal life was associated with an intact body and rotten bodies are deprived from the afterlife.