Trophy Zebra Pelt Rug (Equus quagga hunti)
Taxidermy / Natural History Object • Anonymous professional taxidermist, likely based in Africa or a specialized European/North American studio.
Style & Movement
Natural History / Safari Decor
Medium & Technique
Cured animal hide with hair, tanned leather, felt backing, and professional taxidermy preservation techniques.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Circa 1980-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 250 cm (length) x 180 cm (width); Irregular animal-hide format.
Subject Description
A full-skin trophy rug of a Burchell's or Plains Zebra. The piece features the characteristic dark brown-to-black and cream-to-white biological striping pattern, including the mane and tail section. It is mounted flat as a wall hanging or floor rug.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. The hide shows significant signs of age and wear including extensive creasing and balding patches.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired via a safari hunt or a specialized natural history dealer. No visible import/export tags (such as CITES) are immediately visible in the image.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of 20th-century safari culture and colonial-inspired interior design. While not an 'artwork' in the traditional sense, it reflects the intersection of natural science collecting and decorative arts.
Notable Features
Includes the full mane hair; dark felt-border backing used for structural support and aesthetic framing.
Condition Issues
Significant hair loss (balding) in several quadrants, heavy creasing from improper storage or folding, potential dryness of the leather (desiccation), and visible dust accumulation.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning with a specializing taxidermy restorer; humidification treatment to relax creases; keep away from direct sunlight (UV fading) and fluctuating humidity to prevent further hide cracking.