Evaluation of Artisanal Pelt Curing Practices in Indigenous Tanneries in Ghana: A Case Study of Asawasi Tannery

Abstract

Pelt awaiting tanning requires proper curing to ensure preservation of the inherent leather properties. In the global leather industry, the direct impact of the quality of pelt received in the tannery cannot be overemphasized. In the Ghanaian indigenous leather production sector, the standards for preserving good quality pelt for leather making seems compromised.  It has been observed that many defects are usually found with pelts after storage, and when used for leather production, the defects reflect in the leathers and render them poor in quality. With the aim of evaluating the pelt preservation situation in the Ghanaian indigenous tanneries, this case study took interest to assess the artisanal pelt curing practices at the Asawasi tannery which operates on indigenous methods but produces vegetable tanned leathers to serve the needs of several craftsmen and Educational Institutions in the southern parts of Ghana. The study adopted the qualitative approach of research, utilizing interview and observational surveys to assess the strength and weaknesses of pelt preservation activities of six (6) artisanal curers and four (4) tanners based on acceptable standards. Additionally, focus group discussion was used to obtain data. The study found that curers and tanners have a conventional understanding of pelt preservation methods but lack the canons for the effective and standardized application of these techniques. They also overlook the necessary quality control measures of pelt curing, which result in numerous defects of skins obtained from the local tannery. These situations consequently reflect in the low quality of leathers produced by the tanners. To ensure improvement, this study has recommended various strategies to address quality control, appropriate salting and drying application mechanisms, and reduction in pelt preservation defects.