leather

Processed animal hides suitable as rough clothing (Elijah’s girdle, 2Kgs 1:8; John the Baptist’s girdle, Matt 3:4; Mark 1:6) or as fine accoutrements (the shoes of (Ezek 16:10) were of the material). Leather was also employed in covering the tabernacle (Exod 25:5). Although the variety of animal hides usable was large, preparation involved scraping the hair and flesh from the material, then treating it for durability, flexibility, and even watertightness.