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LIBYA 1963. Examining skin tanned

1963 (exact date unknown). Tripoli, Libya. The owner of a hide warehouse examines a skin tanned using the “new method.” Unlike traditional tanning techniques, this new process produced odor-free hides with hair that remained firmly intact.

01/01/1963

UNFAO Source FAO Photo Library

File size 32.24 MB

Unique ID UF211CJ

Editorial use only. Photo credit must be given. For further information contact: Photo-Library@fao.org

Background Information

After Libya’s declaration of independence, FAO sent a large delegation
of experts to the country specialising in agriculture, forestry activities,
agricultural statistics and trade.
Libya’s main exports included animal hides but last century deficiencies
in flaying and tanning prevented the country from increasing its trade in
these products.
FAO experts saw immediately that the main factors that devalued the
skins produced in Libya were the scar marks caused by the flaying,
as well as cuts and holes due to rotting. With the help of the Libyan
authorities, FAO drafted a law on animal skinning and introduced a
new tanning method that would ensure a much higher quality product.
Before long 90 percent of hides were skinned correctly, and constant,
albeit slow, advances were made in tanning methods. European and
American markets were beginning to pay a higher price for Libyan
hides tanned using the newly introduced method.