Final answer:
Animal hides are scraped to remove excess flesh and hair, softened, and treated to transform them into useful materials for clothing, shelter, and tools.
Step-by-step explanation:
Animal hides are usually scraped by humans after harvesting from prey animals as part of the traditional process of hide preparation. This process involves several steps to transform the skin into a usable material. Initially, the hide is soaked and then draped over a pole to be scraped, which removes excess flesh and hair. Subsequent stretching on poles helps it to dry. The dried hide is then further scraped to soften it before being rinsed and treated. One traditional method of softening, known as 'brain-tanning,' involves applying the animal's own brain material to the hide. Preparing animal hides involved both practical necessity and artistry, turning them into usable goods like clothing, shelter, and tools.