Fur on tanning (Beaver)

- This course will be given by Dr. Theresa Kamper.
She is a specialist in prehistoric traditional tanning technologies -
Course language is English.
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During this course you will learn the skill to tan a Beaver skin.

Before the advent of modern tanning agents, humans were turning raw skin into usable leather products using very basic techniques and materials.
Learn to produce incredibly soft, strong and durable leather from raw animal skin using one of human kind’s earliest tanning technologies! Utilising materials readily available in the surrounding environment we will walk through the steps of this transformation.

Over 3 full days this class will focus on tanning Beaver skins (Castor canadensis) with a variation of fat tanning using Lecithin and oil as the dressing agent*. Whilst not for the squeamish the end product is worth the work!

The class will cover rehydrating dried furs, de-fleshing, thinning, dressing and softening the fur skins, as well as smoking them so they can be easily washed.
In addition to enthusiastic instruction I provide

comfortable, easy to use tools and detailed handouts covering the tanning process, as well as ethnographic anecdotes and a list of helpful literature for those who wish to further their own knowledge of tanning!
So, please join me for a course sure to contain plenty of memorable moments, lots of practical information and, if you put in the work**, one that will see you heading home with a beautiful, unique and usable traditionally tanned Beaver fur!

* Preparing a brain to use in place of lecithin will be covered.

** Please be aware that a reasonable amount of fitness is required for this course. I will provide instruction on good technique and timing with the skins, but you will need to be able to be on your feet and active for 6 to 8 hours per day. Any serious injuries need to be discussed with me prior to booking onto the course please!

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If you have not tanned before, you can book our Fur on tanning (Foxes) course that is just prior to this Beaver course. These courses are back to back and you can stay inbetween at the site.
Combining these two courses will get you a 10% of the total course price (provided that both can take place).
 

EXTRA info

Duration: 3 full days (Vrijdag 9:00 - Zondag ± 17:00 pm), arrival on Thursday evening is possible.
Group size: min 8 - max 12
Prerequisites: this course is only for people who have some tanning experience!
Catering: this course is self catering, EXTRA provides coffee, tea and cookies
Accommodation: camping in farm yard / field, either in your own tent or camper
Location: Witharen, The Netherlands
Included: all needed materials, a Beaver skin, coffee / tea and camping
Not included: your meals, cooking utensils and camping equipment

Prijs

€ 375,= (tax included)
 

Deposit: 

€ 95,=

Data

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Instructeurs

Gastdocent

Theresa is an avid practitioner of traditional living skills and primitive technology of all ki