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"Hide tanning is one of the essential and ubiquitous skills that connect us all from pre-history to present".
- Dr. Theresa Emmerich Kamper
LEARN TRADITIONAL SKILLS
Bringing ancestral skills and ancient knowledge to life
I'm an experimental archaeologist and traditional skills instructor with more than 30 years of experience in hide tanning, prehistoric crafts, and ancestral technologies. Through hands-on courses. I share practical, research-based knowledge that blends experimental archaeology with ancient craft to make traditional skills accessible today.
Completed PHD
University of Exeter, prehistoic tanning technologies
Published researcher
Peer-reviewed book, Sidestone Press
National TV credits
Alone Season 8, Surviving the Stone Age
30+ years practicing
Hands-on practioner since childhood in Wyoming
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REVIEWS
What students say about my courses
Nothing means more to me than hearing what someone actually took away from a course — here are a few of those stories, in their own words.
USING THE WHOLE ANIMAL COURSE
"Not only was the Doctor incredibly intelligent, but also entertaining, mixing her knowledge of science and humor to create an epic weekend. Just incredible. Highly recommend a course with this legend!"
Misty Dullahide - 2025
COYOTE FUR TANNING COURSE
"Theresa’s course is not only a hands on step by step “how to” she brings her vast knowledge of the subject and explains not only scientifically as to why steps are done at certain times, but breaks it down so that even the novice can grasp the concepts. It is always a great learning experience taking her courses, plus it brings together varied individuals who share common interests."
Oxyatl - 2025
DEER SKIN TANNING COURSE
"A week I'll never forget and skills I'll be attempting to put into practice in the future, learnt from a brilliant and seriously energetic teacher who shows true passion for her craft. I've never laughed so much whilst learning. Hopefully, one day I'll be lucky enough to join you on another course."
Kieran Worland - 2025
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UPCOMING COURSES
Hide, fur, fish skin, and whole-animal use — find your course
Discover the practical and theoretical knowledge behind ancient technologies. Through hands-on courses and personal guidance, I teach the skills our ancestors used to build, craft, and thrive. Questions? Contact me or check out the FAQ.
3 Tickets LeftUSING THE WHOLE ANIMALFri 07 AugSCOTLAND
SOLD OUT!USING THE WHOLE ANIMALFri 21 AugUNITED KINGDOM
4 Tickets LeftDEER SKIN TANNINGFri 28 AugUNITED KINGDOM
3 Tickets LeftANCESTRAL HIDE (COYOTE) TANNING WORKSHOPFri 02 OctUSA
11 tickets leftFISH SKIN TANNING, DYEING & SEWINGThu 22 OctSPAIN
12 Tickets LeftDEER SKIN TANNINGFri 30 OctGERMANY
10 Tickets LeftLEATHER PATTERNING & SEWINGThu 28 JanSouth London
12 Tickets LeftDEER SKIN TANNINGFri 27 AugSouth London, UK
Private courses and personal online consultations available globally
Reach out to discuss a tailored workshop!
VIDEOS
Watch deer skin tanning, start to finish
A short look at how a raw hide becomes soft, usable leather — the same process I teach in person.
Join The Community
New course dates, behind-the-scenes stories, and the occasional archaeology deep-dive — straight to your inbox.
Highlighted Partners
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