These are natural rusty brown Icelandic sheepskins. The lengths, given above, are measured on the wool side. The width across the middle, measured on the skin side, is approximately 23" to 33".
We import and stock a nice selection of Icelandic sheepskins. The long wool sheepskins make ideal rugs and furniture coverings. Native Americans use the white sheepskins for ankle dressings and the black and brown ones are used for buffalo headdresses. The hair length is approximately 4" to 6" with the shortest hair along the spine. The hair does not go in one direction like a dog or cat's fur, but rather it falls in every direction. This is not a hollow hair, so it doesn't break or shed.
These Icelandic sheepskins are Eco-tanned without the use of heavy metals. The exact formulation is a trade-secret but the tanning meets European Union regulations for an environmentally friendly tanning process.
Icelandic sheepskins are not endangered. The skins we offer are a by-product of the food industry in Iceland. The animals were not killed just for their skins.
The white skins are "creamy white." The natural color of the skins often has a yellowish hue to the color. As the skins have not been bleached, they often have varying degrees of "creaminess."
The piebald skins vary in patterns quite a bit and may be black and white, brown and white, black and brown and white, etc. They may also have spots in the middle or different coloration along the edges.
The brown and gray skins come in various shades. If you are looking for darker brown or light brown or darker gray or lighter gray, please let us know so we can select a skin for you.
Supplies vary over time so please call to confirm the availability of specific styles or colors.
You may brush and vacuum the skins regularly to keep the wool fluffy, soft, and neat.
Clean with a damp cloth for small stains and minor soiling.
Do not dry clean the skins as the dry cleaning process will remove the natural oils from the skin. You can spot clean the hair side with Eucalan™ Wool Wash. Do not soak the hide side. For Washing Instructions and Eucalan™ Wool Wash, please click HERE.
Stretch the skin to shape it after cleaning. Leave the skin to dry for a few hours away from sunlight and direct heat and then comb the wool with a pet comb to fluff it out.
Light Damage Notice
Do not expose dyed skins to strong light or direct sunlight. Doing so may cause the color to fade or change.
Dye Transfer Notice
Color or dye transfer may occur if placed on a white or wet surface.