That's right, Human Skulls For Sale. I have to admit, I was somewhat grossed out by the article I was reading in the Sunday Journal, but who wouldn't be? The job of cleaning and selling human skeletons ranks up there with working with cadavers for me. It seems somewhat unreal but its true.
The Story is based in Oklahoma City, showing pictures of not only human but animal skulls and skeletons being cleaned by hand and flesh eating beetles (not my cup of tea), just the thought of bugs eating skin is making my skin crawl and I'm not a very squeamish person. The company was founded by Jay Villemarette, who is said to have a fascination with skulls (which is at least science based, or at least thats the direction it went). After his normal job ended he decided to start his own business out of skulls "Skulls Unlimited". And as many business start, this one was home based, I must pity his wife for this, not the fascination but the process of cleaning the skulls (not to mention the assortment of skulls in her kitchen).
The business has since moved from his kitchen counter to an a building meant for such work. The cleaning rooms scent is described as a mix of a slaughter house and rotting meat. Let's just say that I can guarantee first hand this scent is not one you will see in the form of a scented candle in any sane store...ever. I have smelled something similar once for almost a week, talk about fighting your gag reflex. I was at a horse show in Denver and unfortunately the show grounds were located near a meat processing company. The company, which had closed that particular factory, had not knocked down the building and the smell lingered in the walls. I was told that this building was where they burned the carcasses amongst other things and the rancid smell would waft through the barns and arenas. Needless to say, I have not been able to eat that particular companies products ever since.
Any way back to the story, the sale of human skeletons is a trade used by China, I am not sure how many other countries do this practice nor do I want to know. After the skulls are shipped and cleaned they are available for purchase from around $350.00 and up to $3700.00 for a skeleton. Obviously as you have read cleaning of the skeletons of animals and humans is not for the squeamish, the Jay Villamarette was quoted saying
"I have been waist deep in a dead Hippopotamus, and I'd rather do that than change a diaper." I'm sure mothers (and a few fathers) around the world could beg to differ. You can bet this is not a trade you'll hear about on career day.
For Now,
Lauri
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