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Cordovan is a type of leather known for its fine grain and softness. It is specifically made from the dense, nonporous inner layer of horsehide. This leather has a long history, with its production originating in CĂłrdoba, Spain, dating back to the 16th century.1

Leather, in general, is animal skin or hide treated with chemicals to preserve it and make it suitable for various uses. The process of converting skin into leather is called tanning, which uses agents like vegetable tannins or mineral salts. Cordovan is a specific, highly prized type of leather that was improved and preserved by Arabs during the Middle Ages.2

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. cordovan
  2. leather
  3. Spanish leather

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