Chouara Tannery, Fes

Raw animal skin is pt into tubs filled with cow urine, salt, and water to remove and break down the animal fat, flesh, and fur. About 3 days later, the skin is then moved to another tub filled with limestone and - this is no joke - pigeon poo! Yes, you read that right: the ammonia in pigeon droppings softens the hides and helps them absorb the dyes. The limestone helps get rid of the remaining bits of fur. That smell will stay with me forever.