PERSONAL: Tunisian taxidermist defies conventions to preserve beloved pets

Record ID: 1739252

  • Title: PERSONAL: Tunisian taxidermist defies conventions to preserve beloved pets
  • Date: 28th August 2023
  • Summary: RADES, TUNISIA (AUGUST 24, 2023) (REUTERS) (PART MUTE) VARIOUS OF TUNISIAN TAXIDERMIST ABDESSALEM TRABELSI STUFFING A RABBIT INSIDE HIS WORKSHOP TAXIDERMY OF A SHEEP DISPLAYED INSIDE TRABELSI'S WORKSHOP VARIOUS OF TAXIDERMY OF A CAT DISPLAYED INSIDE TRABELSI WORKSHOP (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) TUNISIAN TAXIDERMIST, ABDESSALEM TRABELSI, SAYING: "This work is a part of my life, li
  • Embargoed: 11th September 2023 10:27
  • Keywords: Animals Tunis
  • Location: RADES, TUNISIA
  • City: RADES, TUNISIA
  • Country: Tunisia
  • Topics: Africa,Arts/Culture/Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA001737428082023RP1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text:Inside a blue-colored workshop, Tunisian man Abdessalem Trabelsi spends his days transforming people’s beloved dead pets into taxidermy.
    But the 61-year-old says faces a constant stream of criticism from people who deem his work as forbidden in religious teachings.
    “Someone I know came to me from Saudi Arabia... He’s studying sharia (laws) and religious principles there. He told me, 'Everything you're doing is forbidden.' I replied, 'No, it is not forbidden.’ When I work on a piece, I don't expect clients to worship it. Instead, I told him that this art is recognized by the entire world, not just us,” he said.
    Despite the societal challenges he faces, Trabelsi remains dedicated to his career, insisting that his artistry preserves cherished memories for families grieving the loss of their pets, offering solace through the preservation of their companions.
    Ram sheep breeder, Chihab Brika, has a house filled with taxidermy of his beloved animals. He described these items as ‘beautiful creation(s) appreciated by those who understand it.’
    Trabelsi’s stuffed animals are sold to clients for anywhere between 100 USD and 200 USD
    The taxidermist is hopeful that perceptions of his profession in his country will change.
    He envisions a partnership with authorities that would allow him to lend his taxidermy skills to the preservation of animals in the National Zoo after their passing - transforming deceased animals into museum exhibits.
    "This work is a part of my life, like eating and drinking. I cannot stop it,” he said.
    (Production: Jihed Abidellaoui)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2023. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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