The Suitability of Leather as an Alternative Material for Sustaining Vessel Production in Ghana

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence and a further report from leather experts show that there is closeto no enlightenment of the production of leather vessels in Ghanaian leatherindustries. This study was, therefore, conducted as a result of the need to add leather assupplementary material to the traditional materials such as clay, metal, wood andhalf-gourd used for producing vessels in Ghana. The purpose of the study was to findout how Ghanaian indigenous leather could be used in the production of leathervessels. The qualitative study employed three key techniques, namely: ‘Cuir bouilli’leather hardening methods, the sand pounding technique, and assemblage andconstruction technique. Based on the results, the baking and hot wax methodsadversely affected the indigenous leather positively in the hardening of the leather.The results also show that using only one part of the leather (the back, belly or butt)affected the quality of the leather vessels, but incorporating the various parts of thehide helped improve the quality and durability of the leather vessels. Theimplications of the results and future research directions are also presented. This study has, therefore, expanded the usefulness of the Ghanaian indigenous vegetable tanned leather apart from the conventional usage for making shoes, bags and belts.