A unique opportunity to learn how to turn raw hide into a usable piece of leather using prehistoric/modern techniques, under the guidance of none other than the well-known Dr. Theresa Emmerich Kamper!
During this 3-day workshop you will get to work to turn raw deer skin into a beautiful piece of leather; also called Buckskin. We walk you through the entire process step by step; from fleshing to fumigating the hides. We will also use fat tanning; a technique in which lecithin and oil are used to lubricate the fibers of the skin. These substances are found in, among other things, brains and eggs, which are also extensively discussed and demonstrated. This technique produces one of the most beautiful leathers available. The material is incredibly strong, super soft and extremely durable. Bags, pouches and garments are some examples of what you can make with them. What are you going to use your buckskin for?
What are you going to learn?
- How to deflesh and depilate a skin
- The use and importance of tanning agents for the skin
- The steps required prior to defleaing and hair removal
- Information about different tanning types
- Neutralizing the skin (alkalining)
- The wringing process (pressing fat-tanning into the skin)
- Sewing any holes
- Hides to work dry
- Sewing skins to smoke properly
- Smoke out the skins
Do you want to know why this workshop exists, and where we get the hides from? Read that here.
The general terms and conditions apply to this workshop
This workshop is in English! This workshop requires physical strength. You are definitely on your feet 6-8 hours a day.
What do you get?
- Lesson from the tan queen Dr. Theresa Emmerich Kamper
- Use of tools and course materials
- A deer hide to tan and take home
- The knowledge to get started at home too
- Stay in the beautiful Hunebed Centre at Borger (Drenthe)
- 2 nights on location
- 3 days of fun; Friday morning arrival to departure on Sunday evening
- 7 meals (2 x breakfast, 3 x lunch and 2 x dinner)
- Sleep in the knowledge center or the possibility to sleep in one of the prehistoric farms of the museum
- Possibility to visit the museum (depending on corona timing)
- Clean toilets
- Access to clean drinking water
- Use of tea and coffee
- First aid kit available
What do you need to bring yourself?
- Your enthusiasm and smile!
- Sleeping bag, air mattress, pillow, toiletry bag
- Old and warm clothes, adapted to the weather (You get dirty, and it can be cold at night)
- Personal kit with flashlight, medicines etc
- Notebook and camera
Good to know:
This workshop is part of the Prehistory Weekend, which is held at the museum. There are volunteers at some homes and there may be multiple workshops held on site.
We provide a separate space in the open air. Visitors can see what you're doing, but won't be able to get too close. Experience shows that many students like to tell about their experience to the curious visitors!
"I have a question!' '
If you have a question about this workshop, you can contact us via the contact form, or send an email to workshop@prehistoryalive.com . We will contact you as soon as possible.
"I am interested! What should I do?"
Awesome! You can contact us via the blue workshop contact form (click on the button above). You will receive an email from us with the payment details. When your payment has been received, your registration is complete.
