Cordoban

Not to be confused with the Tradescantia spathacea plant, commonly known in Cuba as Cordobán

The term cordobán historically designates high-quality goat or goat leather, very light and soft, which was obtained through vegetable tanning with special substances, including tannins obtained from of the sumac.

These tannins have greater resistance to oxidation than other vegetable tannins, which maintains the color of the skin for longer. In addition, it allows greater penetration of dyes, which is why this leather was used as a base for embossed and polychrome leathers.

As a decoration technique, it differs from guadamecí in that it used sheep skin, more delicate and softer than goat skin, on which the polychrome, gilded or stewed ones are stamped, carved or embossed.

The word is of Mozarabic origin and refers to the city of Córdoba, famous for its tanning and all types of leather crafts; from horse saddles to bindings, paintings, screens, wall coverings, chair backs or other small furniture. In Spain the technique was developed during the Middle Ages and reached its greatest diffusion and renown during the 16th and 17th centuries, being widely exported. Currently there are few artisans who make it, as is the case with the rest of the artisan products.

Another common use of the term cordoban, collected in the RAE dictionary, refers to the tanned pony skin that is used in the production of luxury shoes, mainly for men. It is a term that has been copied into different European languages to define Córdoba leather. In French, the word "cordonnier" is derived from the term cordoban (Córdoba leather). (Shoemaker).