Turning a Moose Hide into Buckskin
Brain-Tanning Large-Game Animal Skins at Home
Birch Top Hill Press · 2024
This short book is a clearly-written how-to step-by-step manual for turning a large game animal skin — moose, elk, caribou, deer, or similar — into beautiful, soft, smoke-tanned buckskin using traditional brain-tanning methods. Drawing on years of hands-on experience processing hides in Alaska, this guide covers everything from field care of the fresh hide through fleshing, braining, wringing, softening, and smoking. Written for both beginners and experienced tanners looking to refine their technique.
About the Author
James M. Van Lanen has spent nearly two decades as a professional anthropologist studying and working with indigenous hunter-gatherers on three continents. His practical experience processing hides in Alaska — from moose, caribou, and other large game — informs every page of this manual.
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