The Foul, Fascinating World of Tanning Skins | National Geographic

Summary

In Fez, Morocco, seventeen-year-old Mohsin and his father Abdel work in a 600-year-old tannery known for its unbearable stench. Despite the harsh conditions, Mohsin appreciates the job's benefits, like cooling off in the water during summer. The tannery's odor primarily comes from pigeon droppings, a key ingredient in the leather-making process. Mohsin's dedication to this traditional craft is evident as he endures the filthy tasks to produce leather that few consumers will ever associate with its origins.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The tannery in Fez, Morocco, is known as one of the foulest smelling places due to its age-old tanning process.
• 👦 Mohsin, a seventeen-year-old, is following his family's footsteps in the tannery, despite the challenging conditions.
• 🏫 Mohsin dropped out of school to help his father, showing a generational continuity in this labor-intensive work.
• 🐑 The process of tanning involves handling fresh animal skins, which is described as stinking, wet, and filthy.
• 🛁 Washing animal skins is one of the most unpleasant tasks, requiring workers to physically immerse themselves in a tub of filth.
• 🔪 Preparing cowhides involves scraping leftovers into a nearly stagnant pool, adding to the overall unpleasantness of the work environment.
• 💰 The wages for tanners are very low, with beginners earning just two dollars a day and experienced ones about five dollars.
• 💩 Pigeon droppings are a key ingredient in the tanning process, used for their softening effect on the skins.
• 👣 Mohsin's job involves physically kneading the skins in a vat of pigeon droppings, a task that requires strength and endurance.
• 👨‍👦 Mohsin's father, Abdel, has been in the tannery for over three decades and takes pride in his son's work, despite the harsh conditions.

Q & A

What is the tannery in Fez, Morocco known for?

The tannery in Fez, Morocco is infamous for being the foulest smelling place due to the process of tanning hides.

Who is Mohsin and what is his role in the tannery?

Mohsin is a seventeen-year-old who works in the tannery, following in the footsteps of his father and countless generations before him.

How long has Mohsin been working in the tannery?

Mohsin has been working in the tannery for three years.

How long has Mohsin's father, Abdel, been working in the tannery?

Abdel has been working in the tannery for more than three decades.

What is one of the most unpleasant tasks that Mohsin has to perform?

One of the most unpleasant tasks that Mohsin has to perform is washing the animal skins, which involves climbing into a tub filled with animal hides, flesh, hair, and bacteria.

What are the health risks associated with working in the tannery?

The workers in the tannery are more susceptible to infections, particularly if they have any open sores or cuts, due to their exposure to filth.

What is the role of pigeon droppings in the tanning process?

Pigeon droppings are a potent and pungent secret ingredient in the tanning process. They are used to soften the skins and make them supple.

How does Mohsin gather pigeon droppings for the tanning process?

Mohsin gathers pigeon droppings from the rooftops of Fez.

What is the significance of the pigeon droppings in the tanning process?

The pigeon droppings have a burning quality that helps to soften the skin when applied, making it more like a piece of cloth.

What is the daily wage for a beginning tanner in the tannery?

A beginning tanner in the tannery earns just two dollars a day.

What is the daily wage for a very experienced tanner in the tannery?

A very experienced tanner in the tannery earns about five dollars a day.

How does Mohsin's father, Abdel, view the work done by his son in the tannery?

Abdel is proud of his son's work, considering it a product to be proud of.