Braintan: What is it?
Braintanning is a very old method of tanning hides. It involves using brains or natural oils to create high-quality, ethically sourced leather. This process requires a lot of manual labor to soften the hides, and it includes smoking the hides to preserve their softness.
The braintanning process
For centuries, Indigenous cultures have used braintanning techniques to transform animal hides into soft, supple leather. Braintanning is a completely natural process that relies on the animal’s own brain matter rather than harsh chemicals.
Before the braintanning begins, the hide is turned into rawhide, which is basically dried skin.
The steps in braintanning include:
- Softening the hide, which requires a good bit of manual labor
- Smoking the hide, which preserves the leather’s softness
Braintan Products and Applications
If you’re thinking about trying your hand at braintanning, here are a few things to know about the hides you can use and what you can make with them.
Types of Hides
Buckskin from deer and elk are the most popular hides for braintanning. You can expect to pay around $20 per square foot for deerskin and about $25 per square foot for elk.
Bark-tanned hides and traditionally tanned furs can also be tanned using the braintanning method. Bark-tanned hides typically cost about $17 per square foot.
Product Applications
Braintanned leather can be used to make a wide variety of items, and you can often place custom orders for things like bags, purses, phone cases, and book covers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Native Americans tan hides?
Native Americans tanned hides to transform raw animal skins into durable, water-resistant, and supple leather for clothing, shelter, and tools. The tanning process prevented the hide from rotting, making it usable for various essential purposes. They relied on the materials around them, and tanning was a crucial skill for survival and thriving.
What is the difference between veg tan and brain tan?
Vegetable tanning uses tannins derived from plant matter (like tree bark) to preserve the hide. Brain tanning, on the other hand, uses emulsified oils, most traditionally from the animal’s own brain, to create a softer, more pliable leather. Veg tan is often stiffer and used for things like belts, while brain tan is prized for clothing.
What does brain tanning do?
Brain tanning involves working emulsified oils into the hide’s fibers. These oils replace the natural moisture lost during the drying process, preventing the collagen fibers from sticking together and becoming stiff and brittle. This results in a soft, flexible, and breathable leather that’s ideal for clothing and other items requiring comfort and movement.
How long does it take to brain tan?
The brain tanning process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the size and type of hide, the weather conditions, and the tanner’s experience. It’s a labor-intensive process involving multiple stages, including soaking, scraping, oiling, smoking, and softening. Patience and attention to detail are key to successful brain tanning.
In Summary
Braintanning yields beautiful, high-quality, all-natural leather. It’s a way of preserving ancient traditions while avoiding harsh chemicals that can harm people and the planet.
Braintanned leather is perfect for artisans who want to work with the best materials. And consumers appreciate the ethical and sustainable nature of braintanned goods.