Yak leather comes from the yak, a species of cattle that is widespread in Tibet and Central Asia. The high-altitude yak is also known as the "grunting ox" because of its constant loud grunting. Its leather has a long tradition and was already used by Tibetan nomads to make clothing, shoes, belts, bags, lassos, horse saddles, and other everyday items.
Due to the extreme living conditions in the mountains, the hide—and thus the leather—is very robust and provides excellent thermal insulation. Compared to European Cowhide leather, it is significantly more durable and heavier for the same thickness. The texture of the hide also depends on the animal’s sex and age. Yak hides are generally smaller than cowhides. Most yak hides have a surface area between 2.5 and 4 square meters. As the animal ages—just like with cattle—the fibers grow larger and the hide becomes thicker, coarser, and more uneven.
Traditional Processing
There are various processing methods, though traditional leather processing is usually limited to just a few steps. Often, the fresh hides are first soaked in buttermilk and then beaten with a stick. Alternatively, they are first soaked in water, and then the fat and meat residues are removed. After drying, they are rolled up tightly, wrapped with a string, and walked on for three to four days. During this period, the roll is repeatedly opened and the hide stretched again. Finished hides are treated with fat once more to make them soft and supple.
Sources: (Accessed Jan. 31, 2019):
- www.leder-info(dot)de/index.php/Yakleder
- www.lederzentrum(dot)de/wiki/index.php/Yakleder
