Definition of a Bear Skin Rug
A bear skin rug is made from the carcass of a once live bear. They are crafted from the hide and are often found in cabins and rural areas. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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Though they are illegal in some states, bear skin rugs come in a variety of types, including Kodiack, black, brown, grizzly and polar bear. Blond-colored bear skin rugs are coveted by buyers for their rarity.
Purpose
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The purpose of a bear skin rug is mainly decorative. They often placed in log cabins in front of the fireplace to accent the woodsy atmosphere. The heavy hide of the bear, in addition to the padding it undergoes during the taxidermy process, can create extra warmth in the wintertime.
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How They Are Made
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After a bear is hunted and killed, it's skin is removed. The flesh is then stripped off the removed skin, including the face and claws. It is sent to a tannery before felt is attached with a sewing machine along with eyes, nose and ears. The head is stuffed to retain it's shape. Bear skin rugs are ready for display after they have been cured and dried.
Cost
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The general price of a bear skin rug price usually starts at $500 and goes up. Rugs can commonly be longer than 6-ft. in length, depending the size of the bear, and the thickness of the padding can garner a heavier price. A rug that still has authentic bear claws is more valuable than one without claws.
Fun Fact
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Artist Daniel Edwards of Indiana received attention in 2006 when he created a life-sized sculpture of pop star Britney Spears giving birth to her son Sean Preston on her hands and knees on a bear skin rug.
Warning
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When buying a bear skin rug, ensure that the seller has a valid CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) permit. Since some bears such as polar bears and grizzly bears are endangered, it is illegal to hunt them.
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References
- Photo Credit bear image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
