Function/purpose of animal skins/hides

[merkur]

..

 

[merkur]

..

 

[Blackhood]

Well in tribal areas they were simple floor coverings; the leather side it tough enough to stay in tact while rubbing on the floor and the fur is warm. They were basically a statement of awesomeness/strength, if you killed a lion or zebra (or could afford to have one killed by your staff) and put the skin on the floor instead of into clothing, then you were clearly badass.

With regard to sheepskins and the like, I would wager that it was just an early form of carpet; houses made from mud and straw tend to get cold.

Now days they are purely decorative.

 

[merkur]

..

 

[MrGoodBytes]

giraffes make great hallway runners

 

[globetrotter]

they are carpets and meant to be walked on. sheepskins and other "hairy" skins are comfortable to sit on.

 

[Piobaire]

I always thought the purpose of animal skins was to keep their guts on the inside.

 

[merkur]

..

 

[Blackhood]

We have a sheepskin that we put by the fire and the cat sits on it. It was also a good surface to put me and my sister on as babies; soft with good rolling room.

 

[Thomas]

Originally Posted by MrGoodBytes

giraffes make great hallway runners

 

[Mr. White]

I keep a eight-sheepskin rug on my bed and use it as a cover in winter (fur side down). They're also useful in winter on leather sofas -- the leather is just too cold to the touch. Lamb's wool is hypoallergenic. Single-sheepskin rugs are bedding for infants who are too sensitive for cotton.

The other skins creep me out, though.

 

[Annadale]

I use four sheepskins sewn together when camping. Great insulation from the groundsheet, and it adds a certain luxe to my canvas tent. You must air it every day though.