Tsessebe Mounts
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Tsessebe Shoulder Mount Looking Straight
Tsessebe Shoulder Mount Looking Eighth RightTsessebe Taxidermy
With its elongated face, sweeping ringed horns and deep mahogany colouring, the Tsessebe is one of Africa’s most distinctive antelope. Its unusual proportions and bold facial markings create a trophy with tremendous character.
The Tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus) belongs to the same genus as the Blesbok and Bontebok. Several regional forms occur across Africa, including the Southern Tsessebe, Topi, Tiang and Korrigum. In Southern Africa, the Tsessebe is generally identified as Damaliscus lunatus lunatus.
Tsessebe favour open grasslands, floodplains and savanna woodland, particularly areas where suitable grazing occurs near protective woodland. Within South Africa, they were historically associated with the bushveld and Lowveld, especially along the transition between grassland and woodland. SANBI
Their short, glossy coat ranges from reddish-brown to deep chestnut, with darker purplish-black markings across the face, shoulders and upper legs. The long, narrow muzzle and dark blaze of the face are defining features. Both males and females carry strongly ringed, curved horns, although the horns of mature males are generally heavier and more robust.
Tsessebe are powerful runners, with high shoulders and sloping hindquarters that give them a distinctive appearance. They are social antelope and may occur in small territorial groups or larger herds where grazing conditions are favourable.
In taxidermy, the Tsessebe’s long facial structure, dark markings, horn shape and subtle coat colours require careful anatomical and finishing work. The eyes, muzzle and transition between the reddish coat and darker facial blaze are particularly important to recreating the alert expression of the living animal.
Tsessebe mount options
Karoo Taxidermy can create a variety of custom Tsessebe presentations, including:
- Traditional shoulder mounts
- Wall pedestal mounts with individually selected turns
- Floor and table pedestal mounts
- Full mounts in standing or action poses
- European skull mounts
- Skull bleach presentations
- Custom hardwood shields
- Custom habitat floor and wall bases
- Flat and back-skin tanning, where applicable
A traditional shoulder mount places the focus on the Tsessebe’s distinctive face and strongly ringed horns. A wall or floor pedestal provides a more dimensional presentation, while a full mount showcases the species’ high shoulders, sloping back and long-legged athletic build.
Each Tsessebe trophy is individually assessed so that the pose, head position, base and habitat treatment complement the specimen and the client’s available display space.
Speak to the Karoo Taxidermy team about creating a custom Tsessebe mount designed around your trophy and collection.
