It wouldn’t be a kiwi property without a show of deer antlers, pig jaws or animal skulls however in the past five years there has been a growing trend to have these animal parts beautified and brought into the house to be displayed in an artistic way which is referred to as ‘floral skulls.
In rural America floral skulls have been the rage for some time and with the help of social media it hasn’t taken long for it to catch on here in New Zealand. “Over in America it’s a big thing! They have huge ranches and big bull skulls artistically decorated with dried flowers, it’s actually all over the world now” Explains Tayla Pearless, a self-taught florist from Wakefield, who has been taking requested from people for floral skulls “Sometimes people have a sentimental piece that they want done, other times people who don’t have an animal part at all, and in that case, I can usually find something suitable for them” says Tayla.
Tayla has always lived in the country surrounded by sheep, beef, hops and grapes. In her childhood she hunted often with her Grandad and enjoyed catching deer, pigs and possums. When Tayla left school, she had a desire to be a florist but with a slight twist “I’m not just chucking flowers together into bouquets, I didn’t train in a traditional way instead I have explored all kinds of native plants and what I make is art.” Her rural background mixed with her love for plants and flowers have made her passionate about floral skulls.
The art of flower pressing and drying flowers has been around since early human civilization. Pressed laurels and garlands were found in a 3,000-year-old coffin in Egypt! They were also popular here in the 70’s and 80’s and over the last five years have been making a comeback. Dried flowers are used in floral skulls which mean that pieces will last years. “They are really great for weddings as not only can you keep the pieces forever but it’s a great way to bring the groom into the flower side of things” Tayla adds.
Floral skulls aren’t for everyone, but they are a great way to bring masculine and feminine together, they can also make skulls and jaws more tolerable for those who don’t appreciate them lining the walls of the house or carport.
