Rawhide is a type of leather that has not been exposed to tanning. It is the original animal skin that has been cured and removed of fur, meat, and fat. This results in a natural look that is lighter in color than other kinds of leather. It is typically stretched over a frame before drying, which results in a hard, translucent material. Rawhide leather is quite susceptible to water, so it can quickly soften and stretch to different shapes and forms before being set to re-dry.