Honour and new colour scheme for "giant arthropod"
Invitation for representatives of the press
The "giant arthropod", Arthropleura armata, was voted Fossil of the Year 2015 by the Palaeontological Society. A reconstruction of this 2.70 metre long animal has been on permanent display at the Museum für Naturkunde Chemnitz since 2001.
To mark the award, taxidermist Holger Rathaj gave the model a thorough cleaning and colour makeover. After the three-week exhibition break, media representatives are cordially invited to the installation of the "giant arthropod" in the Museum of Natural History on Thursday, 12 February at 11 am. Taxidermist Holger Rathaj and curator Dr Thorid Zierold will be happy to answer questions about the object and explain further plans to mark the award of the title "Fossil of the Year 2015".
Despite the accuracy of the analysis of fossil finds, the colouring of models of fossil individuals naturally always remains speculative. However, the taxidermist has opted for the medium brown base colour, taking into account current finds and scientific findings.
Your questions about the restoration will be answered by
Holger Rathaj
Museum of Natural History Chemnitz
Phone: 0371.4884556
Email: rathaj@naturkunde-chemnitz.de
Your questions about the title "Fossil of the Year 2015" will be answered by
Dr Thorid Zierold
Museum of Natural History Chemnitz
Phone: 0371.4884552
Email: zierold@naturkunde-chemnitz.de