Here's why and what you should actually use:
* Snakeskin is composed of keratin, the same material as your fingernails, not skin like ours. Therefore it doesn't react to tanning oil the same way human skin does.
* Tanning oil could damage or degrade the snakeskin making it brittle or attract mold.
* The goal when preserving snakeskin is to remove moisture, make it supple, and prevent decay.
Instead of tanning oil, you would typically use a combination of the following:
1. Cleaning: Gently remove any remaining flesh or debris.
2. Salting or Drying: This process is essential to draw out moisture and prevent decay. Salting involves covering the skin in borax or another drying agent.
3. Tanning Solution: The skins would be placed into a tanning solution to preserve and soften the skins.
4. Oiling: A specialized leather conditioner is used sparingly to keep the skin soft and pliable.
5. Finishing: Seal the skin to prevent mold.