No snakes were harmed in the making of this piece. It is not 3D printed from a real skull, the master was originally hand carved in pieces using photographs as reference, then assembled in order to make the mold for casting. It is a completely three dimensional sculpture of a ball python skull measuring 1-3/4" long. It is cast in solid white bronze with a hand burnished oxidized silver plated overlay giving it a beautiful vintage appearance as well as enhancing the delicately carved details. I chose not to utilize a bail on the skull, preferring to pass the heavy 3mm thick chain directly through the natural openings near the back of the jaw which actually lays behind the skull so it hangs perfectly.