Recently, the Shankle family embarked on a journey to learn the art of hide tanning from primitive tanning expert Mary Elizabeth at our homestead. The experience was truly amazing and has had a big impact on us.
We started out on our three-day adventure in primitive hide tanning by setting up a fleshing pole to remove layers of skin on the "hair side" of our bucked hides. Wetting and scraping proved to be an all-day task. The physical labor was intense, but the satisfaction of seeing the progression of the hides as they transformed was incredibly rewarding.
In the grass, under the sun at Shankle Homestead we took turns soaking and scraping, scraping, scraping our hides. Asking our guide Mary Elizabeth how primitive peoples would have approached the task. We were all learning and working together, but for those of a different time it was a necessity of life. Throughout the day Mary emphasized how this process was not just a chore, it was a social experience. People worked as a team, caught up with each other, and connected over a common goal. Something we could all use more of these days.
Our pictures documented the intricate process, from the first scrape to the final smoking of the hides, preserving our knowledge and experiences for future endeavors.
What is bucking a hide?
Bucking is a process for removing hair from the hide. Take a harvested hide that has been scraped clean of meat and soak it in an alkaline water solution. The solution makes the hide fibers swell and allows the hair to be released easier.
Do I have to buck the hide immediately after harvesting?
No, but meat and fat must be scraped off quickly. The meat will eventually rot and ruin the hide underneath. Scraping the meat off, leaving the hair on, and allowing the hide to dry
For those interested in hosting or attending classes on primitive hide tanning contact Mary Elizabeth for details.
Looking for an online approach? Click the link below for to explore the online training program through Wild Abundance.
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