Brain Tanning
Materials:
• Pig or horse brain (pig brain may be available at
local butcher or meat market)
• Chlorine-free water
• Large board or stretching frame
• Smooth wooden tool such as a canoe paddle or
axe handle
1. Prepare the tanning solution by combining 1
pound of pig or horse brain with 2 gallons of
warm water. For best results, use untreated water
such as rainwater. If you do not have access to
rainwater, purchase bottled spring water at your
local grocery store. Water treated with chlorine
may reduce the effectiveness of tanning solution.
2. While the hide is still damp and pliable from
preparation and cleaning procedures, immerse it
in the brain tanning solution. Soak the hide
overnight.
3. Remove the hide from the solution. Remove a
majority of the solution from the hide by
squeezing it thoroughly or running carefully
through a clothes wringer.
4. Nail the hide to a board or stretch with a frame.
A smooth tool such a canoe paddle can be used
to work the hide. The hide should be worked by
pushing and stretching it in a stroking motion
until it dries.
For thick hides, some prefer to reapply the
warmed solution to the flesh side, cover with
cloth overnight and repeat step 4 to ensure that
the solution has been adequately worked deep
into the hide.
5. The final step for brain tanning is smoking the
hide. Brain tanned hides are most durable if they
are smoked for several hours in a smokehouse.
However, be careful not to heat the hide too
much. Use dry, semi-rotten wood to produce
lots of smoke and low heat.
