Rawhide has been used for centuries to make saddle trees, drum heads, shields, lamp shades, moccasin soles, storage boxes, and in many other projects. The exact use depends on the animal skin used, and the grade and thickness of the skin. Rawhide also makes strong thongs and laces. Dry rawhide is very rigid because it is the skin with the hair removed that has been cured, but not tanned. Rawhide will feel stiff when dried, but will soften if you soak it in water. When soaked in water it becomes pliable, allowing it to be molded or shaped and easily sewn. During the drying process, rawhide shrinks, stiffens and generally retains whatever shape it was given when wet. If you soak more than you need, you can let it dry out again and reuse it later, but the color will get darker with each sucessive soaking. When wet, it should be used within 24 hours, or at least change the water every 12-24 hours. If you leave it in water too long, it will begin to grow bacteria, which weakens the skin and makes it turn smelly. Goat rawhide is a lightweight skin averaging 1-2 oz per square foot. An average hide is about 2ft x 3ft. The hide pictured is for illustrative purposes and may not be the exact rawhide you will receive.

This full goat rawhide does not include the neck and leg portions. This makes the hide a more uniform size and shipping charges more economical.

It is common to find scrapes, scars, and some holes in the skin. Goat rawhide is good for lightweight projects and is an economical alternative to deer rawhide, which is very similar in thickness. It is best for small women's drum heads, lamp shade covers, quiver liners, and lacing small items such as rattles. Rawhide can be further tanned into leather using traditional brain tan and smoke methods or commercial preservatives, or used as is.

Not produced by or the product of a particular Indian or indian tribe as defined by 26 USA - 605 et Seq