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Leather craft in Vršac

Author: Vesna Stankov
July 2^nd- July 23^rd 2009

In Banat leather craft developed and achieved its highlights in the XVIII and XIX century and it was present until the middle of the XX century. The modernization of agriculture and increasing usage of plastic materials tended to reduce drastically the importance of this craft. Since leather-made object demanded a lot of skill in manufacturing and thus were sold on unreasonably high prices it was clear that plastic as a material would gradually suppressed leather.
Leather craftsmen in Banat were mostly oriented towards the production of very precious harness. When cart horses ceased to be used in transportation there was less demand and necessity for such kind of equipment.

In the second half of the XVIII century there were over 200 Serb craftsmen in Vršac. In the following century (XIX) German nationality took over the craft and together with shoemakers, butchers and tanners found the eleventh (German) guild. In Vršac leather craft was a hereditary profession, i.e. children were trained by their parents. During the sixties of the last century (XX) two separate crafts (leather and saddler) had been united into one, while 10 years later another craft (leather goods) joined the group.
Leather craftsmen in Vršac used to provide already tanned cowhide from private tanners although later when the business extended they purchased raw material from manufacturers. High quality tanned cowhide could be bought from Ruma Leather Industry.
The last leather craftsman in Vršac had been manufacturing harness up to 1975. He started a leather goods shop where distinguished people could see him making belts, dog leashes, holsters, knife and razor cases as well as repairing briefcases and bags.