A pelt, noun, refers to the skin of a fur bearing animal, including the fur, hair, and wool, before it undergoes the leather making process. Historically, the word pelt is rooted in Old French pelete, meaning a thin pelt or skin that has been stripped of its appearance to prepare it for further use. Pelts have long been a valuable resource for creating clothing and other goods, with human skin often being a symbolic comparison in terms of texture. In leather production, pelts are processed to remove the fur and wool, revealing the underlying hides used for making full pelt items. The verb pelting also ties into this tradition, highlighting the meaning of treating and preparing skins to achieve the desired colour and finish, ensuring their suitability for a wide range of products.
What Is Pelt?
Pelt refers to the unprocessed hide or skin of an animal. It hasn’t the fur, hair, or wool removed, though it may have been dried and cured to prepare for tanning.
Where Pelt Comes From
A pelt can come from any animal. The most common are cattle, bison, sheep, goats, and deer. There are also more exotic options, like alligators, pigs, snakes, or fish, though these are hairless and usually referred to as skins.
Pelt Characteristics
Pelts are completely unprocessed, so they still contain the hair, fur, or wool of the animals they are taken from. In this state, they will slowly decompose unless they are processed to prevent deterioration.
Despite the eventual decay of untreated pelts, they are still durable, resisting punctures and tears. They can also be molded, stretched, dyed, and tanned to increase longevity.
Pelt Pros
As mentioned above, pelts are ready to be processed to create the perfect piece. This includes altering the shape and color. During processing, the fur, hair, or wool can be removed or left on for a warmer piece. Even in their unprocessed state, pelts can handle rough use without falling apart.
Pelt Cons
Untreated pelts are the flesh of an animal, so they won’t last very long before they begin to decay. Even if the fats and oils have been removed and the pelt is dried and cured, it’s still susceptible to decomposition until it’s been tanned. Sun and heat can also damage a pelt, so it needs to be stored carefully to remain usable.
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What is Leather?
Leather is what a pelt becomes after tanning, so it’s no longer at risk of decomposition. The hair, fur, or wool has been removed, leaving the supple, treated skin behind. Leather can then be used for various products, such as clothing, furniture, bags, shoes, wallets, and much more.
Where Leather Comes From
Leather is a pelt after the tanning process is complete, so it comes from the same animals. These include cows, bison, sheep, lamb, goat, deer, alligator, kangaroo, ostrich, and snakes.
Leather Characteristics
As the finished product after a pelt is cleaned, dried, cured, and tanned, leather has a unique look that is as beautiful as it is eye-catching. The material is durable and soft, though its texture can vary depending on the animal it comes from. For instance, cow leather is stronger, though rougher, than the suppleness of sheep or lamb leather. Leather can also be dyed in almost any color and may have added features, like pebbling or embossing.
Leather Pros
Leather is one of the most rugged materials around, so it can last for decades if properly cared for. It feels fantastic and has a distinctive scent that no other material can compare with. Leather is also extremely versatile and can be used for almost anything, including clothing, accessories, furniture, and saddles.
Leather Cons
Despite its durability, leather is still prone to damage if mishandled. It needs proper conditioning about once a month to maintain its moisture levels and strength and prevent cracking and brittleness. Leather can also be damaged by prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat, or moisture, so it needs proper care and storage for the best-looking piece possible.
Final Word
Understanding the meaning of a pelt can greatly enhance your appreciation for leather goods, whether it's a jacket or other garment. The skin of a fur bearing animal—referred to as a full pelt—is essential in leather making. Historically derived from Old French pelete, pelts have been processed and utilized for centuries. The fur, hair, and outer layers are stripped from the hide, leaving behind a clean, durable surface that can be used in crafting various leather products. The verb pelting refers to this preparation process, where the skins are treated to enhance their qualities. While human skin has often been metaphorically compared due to its texture, the natural properties of animal pelts, particularly those of fur bearing animals, have been used frequently in creating high-quality, long-lasting leather items.
by Monique Youzwa
Monique has been a full-time freelance writer for over 5 years, plus has a few fiction credits under her belt and is currently working on a novel. When not writing, she spends her time reading, playing video games, hiking, and camping with her husband and daughter.
