Traditional tanning in western Sudan : types, artisans’ groups and processes of production

Abstract EN

The climatic variation prevailing in the Sudan has shaped the life of its societies, which is characterized by pastoral nomadism and keeping animals besides farming.

this has led to availability of hide, the basic raw material for tanning, and to the rise of many groups working in the industry, especially in western Sudan " Darfur and Kordofan".

different categories of tanners are discerned and identified according to a constructed typological classification.

this study discloses that tanning tradition has got certain production requirements, and that it will last for long time at least until new innovations for tanning all types and sizes of hide be introduced and widely dffused.

moreover, the different tanning methods adopted by tanners through time in the study area are thoroughly displayed.