Goat Skin Collection

The process of tanning goat skins
5311845 The process of tanning goat skins; (add.info.: Woodblock engraving depicting the process of tanning goat skins in a sumach solution)

Pan and Hermaphrodite, c. 1st century AD (marble)
1078162 Pan and Hermaphrodite, c.1st century AD (marble) by Roman; height: 105 cm; Private Collection; Photo © Christies Images

Pan and Hermaphrodite, c. 1st century AD (marble)
1078163 Pan and Hermaphrodite, c.1st century AD (marble) by Roman; height: 105 cm; Private Collection; Photo © Christies Images

Pan and Hermaphrodite, c. 1st century AD (marble)
1078161 Pan and Hermaphrodite, c.1st century AD (marble) by Roman; height: 105 cm; Private Collection; Photo © Christies Images

Statue of Mercury, Roman god of commerce and communication, in winged hat petasos with goat skin
5323796 Statue of Mercury, Roman god of commerce and communication, in winged hat petasos with goat skin by David, Francois-Anne (1741-1824); (add.info.: Statue of Mercury)

Statue of Mercury, Roman god of commerce and communication, in winged hat petasos with goat skin
5323797 Statue of Mercury, Roman god of commerce and communication, in winged hat petasos with goat skin by David, Francois-Anne (1741-1824); (add.info.: Statue of Mercury)

A Pokot child wrapped in a goatskin in his mothers arms. The Pokot are pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language

SILENUS. Line engraving, French, 19th century, after a bronze sculpture

SPAIN: WINE TRANSPORT. Conveying wine in goatskins from the Montilla vineyards. 19th century engraving

LEATHER MANUFACTURE. An 18th century French copper engraving showing the distinctive feature of dyeing goatskins before tanning into moroccoed leather

ISaC BLESSES JACOB. The blind Isaac mistakenly blesses Jacob, believing him to be his first-born son Esau (Genesis 27)
ISaC BLESSES JACOB. The blind Isaac mistakenly blesses Jacob, believing him to be his first-born son Esau (Genesis 27: 26-29). Wood engraving, American, 19th century

Goatskin manuscript said to be 2000 years old showing the birth of Jesus with animals blowing on him to keep him warm, church of Abuna Aftse, on site of a 6th century church, Yeha, Aksum, Ethiopia

Goatskin manuscript said to be 2000 years old, church of Abuna Aftse, on site of a 6th century church, Yeha, Aksum, Ethiopia, Africa

Jacob Tricks Isaac
Jacob puts a goatskin on his head and deceives his father Isaac into giving him his blessing instead of Esau, not really a very brotherly thing to do

First Barrel
The First Barrel - a Goatskin

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"Goat Skin: A Symbol of Mythology, Trade, and Tradition" In the ancient world, goat skin held significant cultural and artistic value. The marble sculptures of Pan and Hermaphrodite from the 1st century AD depict these mythical figures draped in goat skins, symbolizing their connection to nature's wildness and fertility. Mercury, the Roman god of commerce and communication, is often portrayed wearing a winged hat petasos adorned with a goat skin. This representation highlights his role as a messenger between gods and mortals while also emphasizing the importance of goats in trade. Beyond mythology, goat skin played a practical role in various societies. Among the Pokot people, pastoralists speaking a Southern Nilotic language, newborns were wrapped snugly in goatskins by their mothers. This tradition not only provided warmth but also reflected their close relationship with livestock. The historical significance extends to industries such as leather manufacture. In 18th-century France, copper engravings showcased different stages involved in transforming goatskins into luxurious moroccoed leather. From dyeing before tanning to scraping and soaking under water for kneading purposes - each step highlighted meticulous craftsmanship. Even biblical tales feature references to goat skins. In one instance from Genesis 27:26-29, Isaac mistakenly blesses Jacob instead of his first-born son Esau while feeling the texture of Esau's hairy arms covered by a disguised goat skin garment. Furthermore, wine transportation was once facilitated using goatskins during Spain's vineyard heyday in the 19th century. Engravings depict workers conveying wine-filled goatskins from Montilla vineyards - an image that evokes both rustic charm and practicality. From mythology to trade practices spanning centuries across cultures worldwide - "goat skin" emerges as more than just an animal hide material.