When I was in Marrakech I became very interested in the story of the leather. I had seen the finished product but was keen to witness the full process. I visited the tanneries on several occasions to get the full story from the arrival of the animal skins fresh from the carcass through treatment, colouring, shaping and to the finishing of the shoe. Hopefully this gallery gives some idea of that story.
Skins arriving at tannery
© Niall Riddell
Hair being removed in white water
Skins removed from vats
Drying camel skins
Saffron colouring
Leather going to market
Leather becoming shoes
Finished slippers