Colonia (Master Leather Workshop)

People have been using hides to protect and clothe themselves ever since they began to trap and kill animals, according to archaeological evidence going back as far as the Palaeolithic period. As animal husbandry developed the use and availability of hides increased. Processes of tanning were introduced to make more durable leather. All manner of substances - tannins from trees to faeces and animal brains - were used to treat the skins. Tanning was seen as a smelly, dirty even poisonous trade and so was banished to the outskirts of towns. However, after tanning the hides could be used as waterskins, bags, boats, armour, sandals, boots, scabbards, and harnesses, amongst many other useful products. Calf or goat skins were also made into parchments by soaking them in lime.