I love visiting third world countries. Not only for the food and culture but because I find that the people there are so darn creative in the most unusual ways. They are also so resourceful when something is needed. And I don’t mean that their resourcefulness is knowing which local store to stop at when needing to pick up a few things.
Let me give you an example: I was working in Indonesia in the rag trade a few years back. For those not familiar with the rag trade; it is the clothing business. We were in need of a broom but one was no where to be found. One of the sewers didn’t stop and think twice about it. He ran outside, grabbed a tall branch off of a tree and began to collect stiff grasses that were also growing wild outside. Within minutes he had put together a broom. I was amazed. We used that broom for the entire time that I worked there. And I must say it worked quite well. Who knows…maybe it is still in use. My point being that the people there think past the obvious and really use their creative resourceful skills. When money is an object, they find a way.
So my little story brings me to another story that I read as I was perusing the web. It is about Pigeon droppings. Yes, you read it right. Someone figured out what to do with all of the Pigeon poop – I like that better than droppings. Why one would even consider Pigeon poop to be of value somewhere is beyond me but then again we live in a very modern society where Pigeon poop isn’t given a second thought. That is unless one is hit by it and then many expletives maybe be heard from the one who got bombed. Although getting pooped on is good luck isn’t it?
Anyway….back to the story.
So…the Pigeon poop. This came as a total surprise to me, being in the fashion industry for so long and having worked with leather many times…But believe it or not Pigeon poop is used to tan animals skins.
- Fact: It takes about 1 lb of Pigeon poop to tan 5 animal skins.
- Fact: The pet Pigeons are trained to poop in a certain area where the droppings are collected.
Hmm..wish we could train the Pigeons around here to not shit on our car every day!
So when the Pigeons poop in their designated area it gets collected into bags. How’d you like to have that lovely job? Well for this family living in a remote village, it is their business. The smell isn’t so bad when it is collected, but once the droppings get wet and mix with decaying flesh, oh yeah, the smell can get pretty unbearable. But wait…it gets worse.
A young man, son of the tanner, wades in the water that contains the Pigeon poop and the animal skins, kneading the two together with his feet to soften the raw hides into leather cloth. The stench is not only over powering, but the job requires much strength and endurance. Picture this young man stomping in place for 3 hours straight in thigh high deep smelly water kneading the skins with his feet and heels! My guess is that if we were to do this here, a machine would take the place of this young boy getting down and dirty.
So how exactly does this poop effect the skins? Well…Pigeon poop have a burning quality to them and when mixed in with the skins it bites into them and softens them. (Gee, I’m thinking, ‘What does it do to the skin of the ’stomper’?') The perfect mix of water will make the skins supple but not too soft. The end result, if done correctly, are soft cloths perfectly fit for making shoes and apparel.
Bet ya didn’t know that maybe the beautiful skins on your fav shoes were crafted in one of the foulest smelling places on earth. Time to appreciate those crafty, creative and resourceful people who once again are willing to do what we here wouldn’t ever think of doing. I am so grateful…. :)
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Readers: I know…a strange topic to wake up to on a Monday morn but maybe those pigeons will get a tad more respect now as they’re shitting on your clean sparkling car….Maybe they’re just looking for a job….you know showing you just how good they can poop in a designated targeted area.
Hi Doug: My thoughts exactly. For anyone to think that we humans are the only living ‘creatures’ in the entire universe (known or unknown:) is big headed as well as crazy. But then again, if we are just an ‘experiment’, maybe we are bred to think that. I wonder…
TAO: Have you ever come across another planet (besides an earth like one) that thinks the way we do? Meaning they think they are the only living creatures also in the Universe? Or are we the only arrogant bunch?
Hey Zen Lill: Unfortunately, I too am familiar with overseas contracts. Well…I shouldn’t say ‘unfortunately’…Negotiating my own licensee contract with the Vietnamese was very enlightening; a lesson itself in learning contract law and verbiage. I was also informed that not many contracts were ever written up in VN because they did not honor most of them.
Ahh…the auspicious number ‘8′. Doug can tell you more about that one…he used it quite a bit.
Earthling Girls: How’s the training going? I’m anxious to hear how all of the girls are doing.
Hi Moliva: How are you liking space? Comment if you are able. I would love to hear all you have been up to.
Hey Middle Man: Just retrieved your comment. Hello! – lol – Will catch ya on the flip…got to run.
See ya…
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle ♥
Aka: *BABE: Your *Bad Ass Bitch Editor*
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