It probably did not take long for prehistoric hunters to realize that the skin of their prey was just as useful as its meat. Although an animal's hide would go rancid within a few hours of its death, it could be made into a strong, water-resistant material if properly cured. This process, lengthy and tiresome when done by hand, is today performed by machines. Although it was not until the 1700s that the tanning process was investigated scientifically, the process used today is almost exactly the same process that was developed by tanners thousands years ago.

There are many different kinds of leather. The skin of almost any animal can be cured and tanned--such exotic animals as ostrich, lizard, and eel have been used. However, the majority of leather is obtained from cattle and calf; sheep and lamb; goat and kid; horses and other equines; pig; and shark...