Cowhide is the natural leather made from a cow's skin, or the untanned skin itself. When you see a leather baseball glove, a sturdy belt, or certain types of boots, you're likely looking at cowhide. It's one of the most common and durable materials used for leather goods because cow skin is thick, strong, and widely available.

The process of turning raw cowhide into usable leather involves removing the hair and treating the skin so it won't rot or become stiff. Different treatments create different textures: some cowhide becomes smooth and polished for dress shoes, while other cowhide stays rough and tough for work boots or saddles.

You might also see cowhide rugs with the hair still attached, showing the cow's natural pattern of colors. These decorative rugs preserve the original markings of the animal's coat, making each one unique.