In colonial America, skinners were often indentured servants or slaves who were forced to work in this dangerous and unpleasant job. Today, skinners are typically skilled workers who use specialized tools and techniques to remove skins from animals. The process of skinning an animal can vary depending on the species and the desired outcome, but it generally involves the following steps:
- The animal is stunned or killed in a humane manner, as required by law.
- The skin is cut in a specific pattern to minimize damage.
- The skin is carefully peeled away from the underlying flesh.
- The skin is cleaned and preserved, often using a tanning process.
- The skin may then be used for various purposes, such as making clothing, furniture, or other products.