Dried Bearskin Research Paper

In Northeastern tribes the people used dried bearskin, which was one of the artifacts displayed at the museum, primarily for bedding material. Although men usually hunted, women were responsible for preparing the pelts. After the flesh was removed from a skin, it was stretched out on the ground to dry. Pegs were then placed around the edge of the skin to keep it in place and reduce shrinkage. When it was also desirable to remove the hair, the next stage in the process was to tan the hide. Tanning involved the use of a mixture of purified brain, liver, and fat. This composite was applied to the flesh side of the skin and worked into it by hand. After several hours had elapsed (sometimes days), the skin was scraped and rubbed between the hands