Human Taxidermy and the Exploitation of Death
Summary
Hosts Elise Willems and Jessica Asami explore the history and reality of human taxidermy, distinguishing fact from fiction. They examine why human skin is unsuitable for traditional mounting and discuss infamous cases like El Negro of Bañoles, Julia Pastrana, and Jeremy Bentham’s auto-icon. The episode also clarifies that Ed Gein was a grave robber, not a taxidermist, while highlighting the colonial exploitation behind these historical exhibits.
Topics discussed
Intro, sponsor ad, and hosts' banter
Introducing the topic of human taxidermy
History and techniques of modern animal taxidermy
Why human taxidermy fails and the uncanny valley
Case study: El Negro of Bañoles
Case study: Julia Pastrana
Case study: Jeremy Bentham's auto-icon
Ed Gein and the misconception of human taxidermy
Conclusion, Halloween season, and final thoughts
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