Hide (skin) - History

History

Further information: History of hide materials

Archaeologists believe that animal hides provided an important source of clothing for prehistoric humans. Animal hides were also frequently believed to be used for shelter by primordial peoples. Hides of animals were also used for tents in summer by Inuit people.


Many Native Americans used animal hides to build houses such as tepees and wigwams. The Arctic Indians also used this material for waterproof clothes and kayaks as well as for their houses.

Parchment was introduced in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Iron Age, supposedly in Pergamon.

Until the invention of plastic drumheads in the 1950s, animal hides were used.

Animal hides have always been used as a status symbol. Fur was used to demonstrate wealth, both by ancient kings and modern people. Natural leather is used in many expensive products, including limousines and designer mobile phones.

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