The Evolution of Cowhide Rugs: A History Lesson
Cowhide rugs began circulating in America back in the 1,700 and 1,800s. During this time, it symbolized wealth, power, and dominance. Nowadays, these rugs are used in various applications within a commercial or residential environment because of their unique patterns and styles. But, apart from cowhide rugs, the material itself has remarkable history around it. To learn more about this, here’s a small history lesson on cowhide and its evolution into the favorable cowhide rug.
The history behind cowhide rugs
Before cowhide rugs, the tough material was used in war and hunting situations by southern African Zulu tribes. They used this natural resource because it was well-known for its durability, strength, and integrity, which could withstand battle and hunting circumstances.
The most notable piece of equipment the Zulu tribes created was the Nguni Shield. It was one of the larger shields that stood around 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall. By having a shield with these dimensions, users could have comprehensive protection from head, waist, or leg strikes. Because cowhide is known to be lightweight, a shield of this size was only used with a singular hand.
Through various centuries, the cowhide was for war and hunting purposes. However, as time developed and innovative designers were born, this material started to be used as clothing, furniture and other decorative pieces.
The most noticeable occurrence of this becoming a reality was during the 1,700 and 1,800s with native Americans. The century provided a solidified staple for cowhide in various other applications. They used cowhide for housing, clothes, hunting, literally everything. Considering you could breed and harvest cows for food and the additional extras, it became a significant resource at this time.
Moving forward slightly, the importance of cows in our society is still prominent. Currently, over a billion cows on our planet are used to collect valuable resources like milk, meat, hide, and much more.
Because of their value and the progression of humanity, we’re now able to breed, maintain, and harvest cows in a much more sustainable manner. During the Zulu or native American times, parts of the cow would become wasted due to Insufficient technology and knowledge. Nowadays, every part of a harvest cow is used to ensure optimal usage.
Meat and milk will always be present in society, but cowhide rugs are not. Trends for these come and go but never leave. Currently, the UK is experiencing an uproar of cowhide rug usage because it’s a natural material, provides remarkable well-being benefits, is durable, and much more.
The above outlines a historical brief of how cowhide has been used during the progression of humanity. Undoubtedly, the usage of cowhide was much popular for other essential aspects of living way before the rug. However, during the time we live in today, this is much different. Cowhide rugs are becoming increasingly popular and are here to re-invent themselves as the go-to option for choosing a rug.
