Kerittämät

Kerittämät is a Finnish term that refers to a traditional method of preparing animal hides. It involves a process of cleaning and softening the hide to make it usable for various purposes, such as making leather or clothing. The term itself can be translated roughly as "hair removal" or "scraping," highlighting a key step in the process.

The kerittäminen process typically begins with soaking the hide in water, often for an extended period, to loosen the hair and flesh. Following the soaking, the hide is stretched and then scraped using a blunt tool, such as a bone or a piece of wood. This scraping removes any remaining hair, fat, and connective tissue from the hide. The thoroughness of this scraping is crucial for the final quality of the material.

Once cleaned, the hide might undergo further treatments. These can include brain tanning, where animal brains are used as a tanning agent to preserve the hide and make it more supple. Other methods might involve smoking the hide to further protect it and give it a characteristic color and smell. The end result of successful kerittäminen is a durable and flexible material that was essential for many aspects of traditional Finnish life, from footwear and garments to household items and tools. The practice reflects a deep understanding of natural materials and a resourceful approach to utilizing animal resources.