The hide and Mongolian leather arts are defined by the various ways by which the hides of animals are prepared. After slaughtering a number of their herds and flocks for winter consumption, Mongolians have traditionally salted raw skin and hide, and cut off their ends. The skin and hide can thus be cut in various ways depending upon the appropriate needs, such as: First, the hair from a slice of hide can be stripped off, after which the hide can be tanned and made into a strap or belt. Second, thin pieces of skin can be smoked and made into pieces of sting or lasso. Third, moist pieces of hide can be cut into strings and then used to weave into a basket or other such vessel. Fourth, the Mongolian leather skin and hide is processed according to various techniques and then used for a variety of other cultural needs.