Rawhide can be shaped, sewn and dried in endless designs.
The differences in each hide makes them unique and determines the end product. Rawhide is biodegradable and therefore most of the articles from the distant past have been lost to the elements and therefore not preserved for future generations.
Rawhide was used by Native Americans as a primary tool that was extremely useful in the culture for thousands of years before European contact. Rawhide containers and articles were used for domestic life as well as for decorative and cultural purposes.
Rawhide continued to be a major support used in daily livingduring the pioneer days. The Cowboys of the Old West used rawhide in numerous forms including tools used in managing cattle and horses. Rawhide strings were braided into reins; hackamores; bosals; reatas; quirts and other articles.
