• Market Watch

Namibian taxidermy brings nature to your living room

• 18 Hours Ago

In an inspiring interview, taxidermist Englehand Akuake shares how he turned his passion for wildlife and creativity into a thriving, albeit challenging, small business in Namibia.

Akuake, who describes taxidermy as an art, explains how he transforms animal hides into historical pieces that can be used in homes, offices and lodges. His creations range from full animal mounts and capes to intricately crafted hooves repurposed into lights and mats made from tanned skins.

“Taxidermy looks like the real animal, but it’s not,” he says. “We do it so people, especially children, can see animals like oryx or zebra up close, even if they’ve never been to the wild.”

Akuake’s journey into the industry began in Otjiwarongo under the mentorship of Johnson van Rensburg, where he started as a skin sorter. “From there, everything came naturally,” he says. “If you have the talent, you start to love the work and it becomes part of you.”

His designs are inspired by his respect for wildlife and his desire to preserve the memory and beauty of Namibia’s fauna through craftsmanship.

While his current clients are primarily international, Akuake is passionate about introducing taxidermy to local markets across the SADC region. “Many people still don’t understand what taxidermy is,” he says. “But it can beautify homes, just like any form of interior décor. I want to bring it closer to our people.”



Challenges in a regulated industry

Despite his passion, Akuake faces significant challenges, the most pressing being a lack of a proper operating space. “This is my talent, my source of income,” he explains. “But without a suitable place, I can’t operate legally – and that limits how much I can grow or contribute to the economy.”

Akuake acknowledges some politicians for providing early support, including connecting him to stakeholders and even donating animal hides. Yet, the bigger picture, he says, is that SMEs like his are not given enough infrastructural support.

“Many of us produce with our hands, from cosmetics and food to crafts, but we don’t have places where customers can easily find us,” he opines. “We pay taxes. We create jobs. But how can we grow if we are not recognised or given space to operate?”

He calls on the government and leaders to create infrastructure and opportunities for small businesses to thrive.

In the episode, Akuake walks viewers through the detailed process of creating one of his favourite products: the cape. From salting and soaking the skin, to removing flesh and forming the animal’s likeness using moulds and glass eyes, each piece takes about four days to complete.

“You’re not just making something, you’re preserving history,” he says. Akuake’s taxidermy business is regulated under the Ministry of Environment, which issues trophy manufacturing licences and ensures ethical practices. He also works in compliance with veterinary and city regulations, a challenge, given his current informal setup.

Don’t miss this interesting episode of My.na Property, airing tonight on NTV (DStv Channel 285 and Gotv Channel 25). Learn more about the art of taxidermy, the perseverance of Namibia’s artisans, and why supporting local talent is key to national growth.