Leather is one of the oldest materials used by human beings. After plastic, in the twentieth century leather was still the most frequently used material for handbags. In theory, all skins can be converted into leather, but mainly those from cattle, goats, donkeys, sheep and pigs are used. Because the 1920s Art Deco movement was a major influence on the extensive use of rare and unusual materials from the animal kingdom. Designers turned to leather from exotic animals such as snakes, alligators, armadillos, lizards, ostriches and even from the skin of fish like stingray, shark and Nile perch. The exotic skins and hides were valued for their unusual and striking textures. Needless to say, the cost of these materials lent an exclusive quality to bags made from them. In accordance with the prevailing fashion, leather handbags are furnished with decorations, clasps and frames, from silver fittings to clasps and decorations in chrome and plastic.
