Nahatöö

Nahatöö is a term that refers to the craft of working with leather. This broad category encompasses a variety of processes and techniques used to transform raw animal hides into functional and decorative items. The fundamental steps in nahatöö generally include tanning, which preserves the hide and makes it pliable, and then subsequent shaping, cutting, stitching, and finishing.

Traditional nahatöö has been practiced for millennia across diverse cultures, serving essential needs for clothing, shelter, and tools. Modern nahatöö continues this tradition, often incorporating both age-old handcrafting methods and contemporary machinery. Artisans and craftspeople engage in nahatöö to create a wide array of products such as bags, shoes, belts, wallets, saddles, upholstery, and various accessories. The skills involved require precision, patience, and a deep understanding of the material's properties. Different types of leather, sourced from various animals and treated with different tanning methods, offer unique textures, strengths, and appearances, influencing the final product and the techniques employed.