How Leather Is Made: Traditional Leather-Making Explained

1- The Magic of Transforming Raw Hide into Leather in Morocco

2- Discover the Complex Steps Behind High-Quality Moroccan Leather Craftsmanship

3- Journey into the Heart of Traditional Moroccan Leather Tanneries

Introduction

Imagine yourself walking through the lively streets of Marrakech, Morocco. You are immediately struck by the strong scents and vibrant colors surrounding you.

Guided by your senses, you find a small hidden workshop nestled within the narrow alleyways of the old city. As you step inside, the sound of tools and machinery fills the air. You have entered a traditional leather tannery, where skilled artisans work tirelessly to create leather of exceptional quality.

For centuries, Morocco has been renowned for its high-quality leather production. The leather industry remains a vital pillar of the Moroccan economy and an essential part of the country’s cultural and historical heritage.

In this article, we take you behind the scenes of traditional leather making in Morocco, revealing the precise and complex steps that transform raw animal hides into premium finished leather.

We will also explore the different types of leather produced in Morocco and how they are used to craft a wide range of leather goods.

The Steps of Traditional Leather Making in Morocco

 Abdeljalil is a skilled artisan working in the bustling city of Marrakech. With many years of experience in leather tanning, he is well known for producing high-quality sheepskins. But how does he achieve such flawless results? Here are the key steps of his leather production process.

1- Purchasing Raw Sheep Hides

 Abdeljalil sources sheep hides from suppliers in Beni Mellal, Agadir, and Marrakech. He preserves them for 7 to 10 days using salt, ensuring they remain in perfect condition before processing.

2- Removing Salt and Opening the Skin Pores

 The hides are placed in a water cistern and thoroughly washed to remove the salt and open the pores. They are then exposed to the sun to dry, a process that takes approximately two days.

3- Strengthening and Thickening the Hides

 Next, the hides are transferred into a cistern containing lime and sodium sulfide. They remain there for 10 to 12 days. Sodium sulfide removes the hair, while lime strengthens and thickens the hides.

4- Reducing Leather Thickness

 The hides are then placed into another cistern containing only lime, which further strengthens them. Afterwards, they are washed manually in a large washing machine to remove any remaining lime before moving to the next stage.

5- Using Pigeon Droppings (Traditional Technique)

The hides are placed in a cistern containing pigeon droppings, a traditional natural enzyme used to soften the leather and reduce its thickness. Abdeljalil continuously works the hides with his feet while carefully monitoring them to prevent fiber damage or tearing.

6- The Magic of Dyeing

The hides are washed again using a large traditional washing machine called “Tolo”, then soaked in a mixture of salt, wheat bran, and natural acids for four days.

Once dried, they are placed in another cistern with wheat bran and worked again by foot, then left to rest for approximately eight days.

7- The Ultimate Touch of Perfection

 The hides are transferred into a cistern called “Afedli” and treated with tanning agents for about one day. They are then dried, cut into large pieces, and returned to Afedli with additional tanning material for another 3 to 4 days.

8- Final Finishing of the Leather

After drying in a space called “Ksari,” Abdeljalil soaks the leather in water for 12 hours. He then scrapes and smooths the surface using a sharp finishing tool.

Once this process is complete, the leather is ready to be sold to artisans throughout the old medina of Marrakech.

9- Crafting Leather Bags and Other Goods

 One of the artisans who purchases this leather is Mr. Omar, a professional leather goods maker.

He uses the leather to craft jackets, while other artisans dye the leather in various colors and stitch it together with Berber rugs to create large leather bags. These products are sold to leather merchants within and outside the medina, reaching customers around the world.

 Every step of Morocco’s traditional leather-making process is essential and requires expert craftsmanship. Thanks to traditional methods and high-quality raw materials, Moroccan leather is internationally recognized for its durability and beauty.

10- Types of Leather and the Advantages of Moroccan Leather Production

What Types of Leather Are Produced in Morocco?

Morocco produces a wide variety of leather types, each with unique characteristics and uses:

•  Goat leather: Soft and flexible, ideal for lightweight items such as handbags.
• Sheep leather: Thicker and more resistant, commonly used for belts and city shoes.
• Cow leather: Strong and durable, perfect for wallets, backpacks, and heavy-use items.

   

  In addition to these common types, Morocco also produces luxury leathers such as crocodile, lizard, and python. These rare and valuable skins are used in high-end fashion and premium leather goods.

What Are the Strengths of Moroccan Tanneries?

Moroccan tanneries offer several major advantages:

• A flexible production system that adapts to client-specific needs

• Highly skilled artisans with exceptional precision and expertise

• Traditional tanning methods that ensure durability and long-lasting quality

• Ideal climatic conditions, with consistent sunshine and warmth year-round

• Access to high-quality raw materials and diverse animal hides sourced locally

The Impact of International Demand on Morocco’s Leather Industry

Moroccan leather is highly valued worldwide, with exports reaching many international markets. However, competition from countries such as India and China is strong.

This makes it essential to preserve and promote Moroccan leather craftsmanship to protect this ancestral trade as both a cultural and economic heritage.

The Tanners of Marrakech

 Meet Abdeljalil, the young artisan who helped the Atlas Artisan team uncover every detail of traditional leather tanning. A dedicated craftsman, he works tirelessly to preserve this beautiful trade while adapting it for future generations.

Conclusion

  In summary, Morocco’s traditional leather industry is deeply rooted in history and culture and remains a vital part of the national economy. Through time-honored techniques and highly skilled craftsmanship, Moroccan artisans transform raw hides into exceptional leather—from goat and sheep leather to luxury skins.

Despite global competition, preserving and promoting Moroccan leather craftsmanship is essential to maintaining this centuries-old industry as a cultural and economic treasure.