Leather has always been one of the most important natural materials known to man and, even in this age of innovation and technology, leather's universal appeal, durability and versatility is unsurpassed.

There is no other material out there, natural or synthetic, that can compete with the strength of leather that is at the same time soft and supple to the touch, making it the ideal material for a range of purposes.

Leather, together with wood, was the basis of early man's technological ability and it didn't take him all that long to craft clothing, shelter, leather bags, sandals and other adornments out of the skin of the animals he hunted or reared. Although modern man has made huge strides in most other aspects of life and civilisation, leather remains one of the most coveted and sought-after materials, especially leather harvested from more exotic animals.

Unlike a couple of decades ago when cow-hide was chiefly used for the manufacture of leather jackets, boots and leather belts, there has been a trend towards suede and leather furniture. Leather is robust and has the propensity to last for prolonged periods of time without losing its shape, texture or form.

Properly tanned leather is not only easy to keep clean, it also has the natural ability to resist water although it is advisable to oil leather shoes and any other items that are exposed to wet weather with natural oils or Dubbins.

The durability of leather was recognised very early on and the Romans even used it to protect their centurions in battle. Both their shields and the heavy, protective jerkins were made out of leather, as were their sandals. Early man even used hide or leather as their first note pads and today precious books are bound in leather so that they are protected for generations to come.

Today, it is the hides of exotic animals like snakes, sting rays, emus and crocodiles that are becoming more and more popular. The wonderful textures, patterns and colours of ostrich leather, crocodile leather and snakeskin leather make them the ideal material for a range of accessories and clothing.

Fortunately, in the modern era, where there has been a concerted move towards the farming of these animals specifically for their leather, products made out of exotic leather are becoming more and more affordable to the man - or rather the woman - in the street. Today, as it was thousands of years ago, leather remains the preferred choice of the discerning in our society for its warmth, look, durability and versatility.

Author: Amelia Stenson

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www.safariclub.co.za

Article source: Free Fashion Articles.