The Importance of Pigskin

Some Uses of A Pig’s Skin

Pigskin also commonly referred to as Berkshire or Boarskin is a leather fabric made from a pig’s skin. The patterns of pigskin in the market can be finished, tanned, raw, wet salted, dry salted, embossed, printed, coated, polished, and wet blue. These are grouped into two types; Grain and Split.  

A Split Leather (Suede): the first leather removed from the hide of the pig is extremely thick. Therefore, the leather must be split cross-sectionally into layers. The bottom layer is made into what is called “split-leather”.

Advantages of Split-leather:

• High abrasion resistance due to its dense fibers and ability to lock together
• Has great puncture resistance
• More water resistant than grain leather

 Grain Leather: is the top layer of the leather after it has been split apart.

Advantages of Grain Leather:

• More expensive than the split-leather which means the farmer makes more money.
• It is often used in the areas that receive more wear since its fiber is thicker and more compact than that of split-leather.

Properties of Pigskin, compared to the leather fabric of other animals

• Very soft and breathable
• Flexible
• Durable and strong
• Water and moisture resistance
• Pliable
• Oil and stain repellent

Uses of a Pigskin

1. Industrial Use:

• Gloves: – palm gloves, security gloves, general working gloves, construction gloves, cooking gloves, driving gloves, protection gloves, etc.
• Leather jackets
• Shoes and shoe linings
• Garments
• Footballs
• Bookbindings
• Wallets and purses
• Bags
• Furniture/sofa
• Belts
• Car seat covers
• Hats

         2.Medicinal Uses

• Collagen: this is the most abundant protein in human bodies. It is found in the muscles, bones, skin, and other places in animals. It helps give the skin strength and elasticity, along with replacing dead skin cells.  Exogenous collagen [collagen from external/outside source, such as getting it from the pigskin] is used for medical and cosmetic purposes, including the repair of body tissues, as well as skin beautification.
• Gelatin: is a mixture of peptides and proteins produced by partial hydrolysis of collagen extracted from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals such as domesticated cattle, chicken, pigs, etc. It supports skin, hair and nail growth, among numerous health benefits.
• Replacing skin of burn victims: researchers are now using pigskin and miniatures inbred pigs in human transplant, neural developments, and plastic surgery.

There are so many useful things to derive from pigskin. Maybe a thorough research will enable us to discover more . So, technically, one could have a ball, boot, leather pant, leather jacket, bag, wallet, and a hat from just a pigskin. Hmm!  very interesting. This shows that after all, ‘swagging’ isn’t that expensive.