Anglo Saxon Leatherwork

The Wanderer Anglo Saxon History, mythology, Folklore and religion

Introduction to Anglo-Saxon Leather working

Leather working was an essential craft in Anglo-Saxon England (circa 5th to 11th centuries) and played a crucial role in everyday life. The Anglo-Saxons were skilled artisans who relied on natural resources for crafting items, and leather was highly prized for its durability and versatility. The leather working process during this period involved a blend of practical craftsmanship and traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Leather was primarily obtained from the hides of domesticated animals, particularly cows, sheep, and goats. The hides were tanned to preserve them, a process that involved treating the skin with natural substances like oak bark, which was abundant in England. This method, called vegetable tanning, helped to make the leather durable and resistant to decay.

The tools used by Anglo-Saxon leatherworkers were fairly simple but effective, including:

• Awls: pointed tools for piercing holes.
• Knives: for cutting the leather into shape.
• Bone and wooden needles: used for stitching pieces together.
• Scrapers: to remove hair and fat from the hide during preparation.

The crafting of leather goods required several key techniques:

1. Cutting and Shaping: After the hide was tanned, it was cut into appropriate shapes using sharp knives.
2. Stitching: Anglo-Saxon leatherworkers used thread made from sinew, gut, or leather strips to stitch pieces of leather together. Leather thongs were also used for lacing items.
3. Decoration: Leather items were often tooled or stamped with patterns for decoration, a process that involved pressing or carving designs into the leather while it was still damp and pliable.
4. Dyeing: Leather could be dyed using natural substances like plant materials or minerals to achieve different colors. However, this was not as widespread as other techniques, and many leather items remained their natural hue.

Leather was employed for a wide variety of purposes, from the practical to the decorative. Common leather goods included:

• Clothing and Footwear: Shoes, belts, and gloves were made from leather to provide protection and warmth.
• Pouches and Bags: Leather bags and pouches were essential for carrying goods and personal items, often worn at the waist or across the body.
• Horse Tack: Saddles, reins, and harnesses for horses were made of leather, reflecting the importance of horses in transportation and warfare.
• Armour: Leather was sometimes used as part of armor, especially for straps and bindings on metal armor. It was also used to make protective garments like leather jerkins.

Leather working was both a domestic craft and a specialised trade in Anglo-Saxon society. Many households would have been capable of basic leather working, but more complex items, such as finely tooled belts or saddles, were likely made by skilled artisans. Leather goods were practical, but they also served as status symbols; finely made and decorated items were prized possessions among the wealthy.

Leather working not only fulfilled practical needs but also had cultural and symbolic importance. Leather items were often decorated with intricate designs, reflecting the Anglo-Saxon appreciation for craftsmanship and artistry.

In summary, Anglo-Saxon leather working was an essential craft that provided functional, durable goods for everyday life while also allowing artisans to express their skill and creativity. The tradition of leather working from this period influenced later medieval craftsmanship and continues to be studied and admired today.

Materials and ToolsTechniquesUses of LeatherSignificance in Anglo-Saxon Society