Cowhide is dried, cleaned and tanned to make leather. Cowhide is primarily used once it has been turned into leather. Cowhide leather is used to make clothing, accessories, seat coverings and even book coverings. The uses of cowhide have changed over the years as our needs have changed.
History
Ancient civilizations used cowhide after they began to domesticate and raise their own herds of cattle. Historically, cowhide has been used primarily for making clothing, blankets, tents, water sacks, packing bags and drum covers. Cowhide was even used to cover baseballs before 1974, when it was replaced by horsehide.
Preparation
Cowhide must first be cleaned to remove the meat and fat. Any hair is shaved away before it is dried, if desired. The hide is then stretched flat for drying. After drying, oils are rubbed into the hide during the tanning process. Oils are often made from other parts of the cow, such as the brain. If any hair is left on the hide, the hair side does not need to be tanned with oils. After the oils have dried in, the hide is stretched by hand or machine in the process known as tanning.
Identifying Factors
Cowhide leather comes in shades of brown, brindle, brindle mixes and black and white. The colors match those of the cows that are raised on farms. Cowhide can be easily dyed to mimic other animal hides, thereby protecting endangered animals and allowing the fashion world to keep using exotically-colored hides--because cattle will be slaughtered anyway for their meat.
Effects
Other effects can be created using cowhide. Designs can be cut or burned into the leather and metal studs can be added for flair. Cowhide also can be tanned to make soft, furry leather or hard, slick leather.
Size
Several pieces of cowhide can be patched together to create large objects like blankets, seat covers or traditional Native American tee-pees. Smaller pieces can be used for wallets, belts and patches. Different colors of cowhide can be patched together to make larger, multicolored pieces.
Benefits
Cowhide is a popular choice for clothing because it is waterproof. Cowhide boots protect feet from water and cold, when properly insulated. Cowhide is a very durable material--not easily torn or punctured.
Function
Cowhide also is used to make saddles, purses, gloves, vests, jackets, wristbands, briefcases, suitcases and boots. Cowhide leather is even used to create jewelry strings and jewelry tags.
Tags: Cowhide leather, Cowhide also, cowhide patched, cowhide patched together, even used
