Article Fashion

In ancient times
survival depended on sheer agricultural and hunting skills
and the primitive man quickly discovered how to exploit nature’s offerings.

In order to survive the harsh winters
our ancestors processed the fur and skin of the animals they hunted into clothing. Realizing that their prey had much more to offer than plain meat
the primitive man began taming and growing animals around his household and specialized in manufacturing durable
reliable clothes from animal skins and furs.

Leather was lighter
stronger than fur
and it proved to be very suitable for clothing. Processing leather
however
took a lot of time and skill. First
the hide of the animal had to be properly cured
skinned
cleaned and dried. After curing
leather was treated with salts for preservation and sent to a tannery for further processing.

As leather obtained from wild animals
cattle or pigs proved to be very strong and compact
it started to be used for creating body armor
boots
saddles
hunting accessories and even weapons
such as slings or bows. Water-resistant leather was used for creating roofs
tent coverings or recipients and containers such as bottles or buckets. The mighty Vikings even covered their boats in leather.

In antiquity
leather was also a suitable replacement for papyrus or paper
as it proved to be a good writing surface.

Finer leather obtained from ostrich
lizard
alligator or shark skin was processed into more luxurious clothing and commercialized.

Nowadays
the process of tanning is completely automated and industrialized. However
despite the advanced technology available
tanneries mainly use the same techniques that were used in the past. Although considerably enhanced
the modern methods of processing leather into clothing
shoes or other accessories rely on the wisdom
knowledge and craftsmanship of the ancestors.

Depending on the type of skin
modern tanneries use three different techniques of tanning. Vegetable tanning is the oldest method and it uses some of the ancient ingredients for leather processing. This method requires a lot of time
but the leather produced is very strong and durable. Also
it is water-resistant
and suitable for fabricating shoes
boots or coats.

A more specialized tanning method consists in dipping the leather in animal fat and fish oil after it has been cured and dried. The oil is absorbed into the hide and the result is a soft
pliable material that preserves its qualities in any conditions.

The third method
and also the quickest
consists in treating the skin with mineral salts. High quality leather can be obtained through this kind of tanning in only a few hours or days.

Leather was once an important factor in the struggle for survival. In modern society
however
it has become a commodity and it not only serves for practical purposes
but also for aesthetical ones. Luxurious leather clothing or accessories such as gloves
shoes
luggage
coats
are very fashionable and highly requested.