Goatskin (material)

« Back to Terms Index

Goatskin is a versatile material with a rich history of use in various industries, prized for its unique properties and durability. This natural material, derived from goats, has been utilized for centuries in the production of a wide range of products due to its exceptional characteristics. The process of extracting gelatin from goatskin involves several stages, starting with pre-treating the skins and then undergoing extraction to obtain the desired gelatin[1][2]. This gelatin is crucial in various applications, especially as a halal alternative to bovine gelatin, catering to specific dietary and cultural requirements[2].

The physical and chemical properties of goatskin make it a preferred choice for many applications. Tanned goatskin leather is known for its durability and softness, making it ideal for products like gloves that require both strength and comfort[4]. Additionally, goatskin with a WR finish undergoes a specialized process that enhances its water repellency and soil resistance without compromising its natural look and feel[4]. This treatment ensures that products made from this material are not only durable but also resistant to environmental elements.

In the realm of safety apparel, goatskin plays a significant role. Tanned leather made from goatskin is highly regarded for its toughness and comfort, making it a popular choice for gloves and other protective gear that necessitate a soft yet resilient hide[4]. The material’s ability to withstand wear and tear while remaining pliable contributes to its widespread use in safety equipment where flexibility and durability are paramount.

Moreover, the unique characteristics of goatskin extend beyond its physical properties. The material’s versatility allows it to be used in various forms, from traditional leather goods to modern technical fabrics. For instance, incorporating goatskin into fabrics like Pro Shell enhances their performance by combining the natural qualities of goatskin with advanced technologies like GORE-TEX® membranes for superior protection against external elements[4].

The cultural significance of goatskin cannot be overlooked. In certain communities, goatskin holds symbolic value and is used in traditional practices or ceremonies. Its association with heritage and craftsmanship adds an extra layer of meaning to products made from this material, connecting them to age-old traditions and artisanal skills.

In conclusion, goatskin stands out as a remarkable material that blends tradition with innovation. Its enduring popularity across industries is a testament to its exceptional qualities, from durability and softness to water repellency and cultural significance. Whether in the form of leather goods or technical fabrics, goatskin continues to be a sought-after material valued for its unique blend of characteristics that cater to diverse needs in today’s world.

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goatskin_
    Title: Goatskin – Wikipedia
    Summary: This is a disambiguation page that lists articles associated with the title Goatskin. It includes links to Goatskin (material) and Goatskin (container).
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goatskin_(material)
    Title: Goatskin (material) – Wikipedia
    Summary: This page is about the material made from the skin of a goat. It discusses the uses of goatskin, including its use in making rugs, gloves, boots, and bookbindings. It also mentions the traditional Spanish container for wine called bota bag, which is made of goatskin.
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goatskin
    Title: Goatskin – Wikipedia
    Summary: This page is a disambiguation page that lists articles associated with the title Goatskin. It includes links to Goatskin (material) and Goatskin (container).
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidskin
    Title: Kidskin – Wikipedia
    Summary: This page is about the type of soft, thin leather traditionally used for gloves, footwear, and clothing. It mentions that kidskin is traditionally made from goatskin, although equivalent leathers such as lambskin and chickenskin can be used to make kid.
  5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Goat_skins.jpg
    Title: File:Goat skins.jpg – Wikipedia
    Summary: This is a file page that shows an image of goat skins.

Citations:
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goatskin_(material)
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Goat_skins.jpg

Goatskin refers to the skin of a goat, which by long term usage, is denoted by the term Morocco leather. Kidskin, used for gloves, shoes and other accessories, is traditionally goatskin, although other leathers such as sheep and kangaroo can be used to make kid.

Finished parchment made of goatskin stretched on a wooden frame
Goat skins

Tanned leather from goatskin is considered extremely durable and is commonly used to make rugs (for example in Indonesia) and carpet binding. It is often used for gloves, boots, and other products that require a soft hide. Kid gloves, popular in Victorian times, are still made today. It has been a major material for leather bookbindings for centuries, and the oldest European binding, that of the St Cuthbert Gospel in the British Library is in red goatskin. Goatskin is used for a traditional Spanish container for wine bota bag (or called goatskin). Traditional kefir was made in bags from goatskin.

Non-tanned goatskin is used for parchment or for drumheads or sounding boards of some musical instruments, e.g., mišnice in medieval Europe, bodhrán in Ireland, esraj in India and for instrumental drum skin named bedug in Indonesia.

In Roman mythology priests of god Lupercalia wore goatskins.

A breed of goat that provides high-quality skin is for example the Black Bengal breed, native to Bangladesh.

In 1974, there was controversy in the United States surrounding goatskin products originating in Haiti. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control discovered that some of these products contained deadly anthrax spores. All Haitian goatskin products in the USA were recalled, although no fatalities were reported.

« Back to Terms Index

Recent Content