Rawhide Straps – for the Strong Connection between You and Your Instrument

We have ready-made cuts of rawhide in the form of a strap. We offer rawhide straps from animals such as deer, wild boar, horse, goat, and bull (bull split).

Ideal for creating your own drum, as well as for braiding, sewing, and other medieval crafts where leather was actively used.

Attention! This strap is not suitable for making medieval shields. To purchase straps for shields, please follow the link: Rawhide Strap for Shield Making

 

Description

Width: 1 cm

Length: from 1 meter (max. Length – 30 m)

Rawhide: deer, goat, horse, wild boar, bull split

You can also order a custom cut here.

 

Rawhide Straps Characteristics

When making your own drum or frame drum, you are not just creating a musical instrument – you are shaping a new life. For the instrument to fully meet your requirements, it is important to pay attention to details such as the strap used to fasten the drumhead to the frame. To preserve the authenticity and natural power of the instrument, we recommend using rawhide straps, which have been processed by a professional German tanner whose family has preserved their craft traditions for over 200 years.

Deer 

Physical properties: The softest, most elastic, and lightest of all types. Has high tensile strength, but also has a porous structure.

Acoustic properties: When stretched on a drum, it produces a “live,” warm, and deep sound with soft high frequencies. The strap dampens excess vibrations well, allowing the drumhead to vibrate naturally and freely. The sound is voluminous but not sharp.

Sacred properties: Symbolizes lightness, connection with the forest, and nature spirits. It is believed that deerskin (especially reindeer) carries the energy of gentle strength, endurance, and renewal. Used for shamanic practices aimed at healing and journeys to the lower world (soft entry).

Wild Boar

Physical properties: A very dense, stiff, and elastic strap. Has a characteristic grainy texture (if the natural pattern is preserved). Possesses immense durability and rigidity. Difficult to cut, but holds knots excellently and does not stretch over time.

Acoustic properties: When tensioned, it creates a powerful “pressure.” The sound becomes more aggressive, sharp, and loud. The boar strap holds high tension well, allowing the drumhead to sound ringing and “shooting.” Good for rhythmic drums.

Sacred properties: Wild boar rawhide embodies masculine, warrior energy. A symbol of perseverance, fury, and impenetrable protection. Such a strap is used for protective practices, for “breaking through” energy blocks, and for gaining an inner core.

Goat

Physical properties: Thin, but incredibly strong and flexible. Goat rawhide is one of the most versatile. The strap is light, elastic, with good tear resistance. Perfect for braiding, as it easily takes the desired shape and doesn’t chafe the hands.

Acoustic properties: Produces a clean, clear sound with good articulation. Due to its thinness, it does not constrict the drumhead, allowing it to sound as open as possible. Often used for drums with a high, “singing” voice.

Sacred properties: Associated with agility, independence, and fertility. The energy of the goat is the energy of life force, stubbornness, and at the same time, sacrifice. The strap helps in creativity and in reaching seemingly impossible heights.

Bull Split

Physical properties: The most powerful and heavy material. The strap is very stiff, thick, and durable. Holds its shape and strong mechanical stress excellently. The split (inner layer) makes the strap less sensitive to moisture than full-grain leather, and very wear-resistant.

Acoustic properties: Creates a low, powerful, bassy “hum.” For a drum, this is the fundamentality of sound. The strap allows tensioning the drumhead with immense force, which gives a deep vibrational response. The sound spreads in heavy waves.

Sacred properties: Energy of the earth, power, and patience. The bull is a symbol of fertility and indomitable strength. Such a strap is used in rituals requiring endurance, for the protection of the family line, and for working with the forces of nature on a deep level.

Horse

Physical properties: Dense, yet more elastic and “alive” than bull split. Has a smooth surface and high tensile strength. Good for embossing and braiding. Known for its durability.

Acoustic properties: Considered the standard in many traditions. Delivers an even, deep, “soaring” sound. Horse strap creates an ideal balance between the softness of deer and the rigidity of bull. The sound is full but not overloaded.

Sacred properties: The horse is a guide between worlds, a symbol of speed and will. Strap made from horse rawhide carries the energy of freedom, devotion, and the path. Ideal for travel amulets and drums used in long shamanic journeys (spirit journeys).

 

Usage Recommendations

We strongly recommend soaking the strap thoroughly in water before working with it. This significantly facilitates stitching: the strap becomes more elastic, does not tear, and passes through holes more easily. Water is also necessary for braiding — the rawhide becomes pliable. After drying, the strap shrinks, tightens, and achieves high strength.

 

If you need a non-standard cut of strap or a different thickness, please contact us by email.