Leather Garments
Arts and Crafts in Rural South Africa
In the past people commonly wore karosses to protect themselves against the winter cold. Since the introduction of commercially produced blankets in the course of the 19th century, the practice of tanning skins for this purpose has virtually been lost.
Traditionally some karosses were made from the skins of wild animals. In outlying areas sheepskin is also used to this day to provide protection against the cold of winter.
Today, leather garments are made mainly for use on ritual occasions like initiation ceremonies. The overall texture and softness of aprons and other forms of dress made from these skins depends in part on whether people use hides obtained from goats or cattle.
While the leather garments worn by women are generally made by female craft specialists, male specialists usually sew the wild animal skins that are more commonly worn by men.
By
Professor Sandra Klopper
