This question was attempted by a good number of candidates. The (a) part of the question required candidates to explain the terms listed above. Most candidates merely defined the terms, they failed to include the uses and source(s) of such leathers in their explanation. In the (b) part, most of the candidates just stated the relevant factors but did not develop the answers.
            The candidates were expected to provide the following answers to score higher marks.

(a)        (i)         Slunk leather:
Leather produced from skins of premature (stillborn) animals particularly calf, It is flexible, light in weight and best used for high quality shoe uppers and gloves.

(ii)        Cowhide leather:
Leather produced from the hide of any female animal from bovine group e.g. cow, bull,    oxen etc.

(iii)       Pelt:
A freshly flayed, raw and unprocessed hide or skin of an animal. OR This is a raw animal skin obtained from a limed and unhaired animal skin or hide.

1. (i)         Quality:

                        Quality of leather determines the value of the leather product. The higher the quality of  leather, the costlier the leather product and vice versa.

(ii)        Type of tannage:        
Leather articles are mainly produced from two types of leather, chrome and vegetable   tanned. The article to be produced determines the type of leather to be used.

(iii)       Colour:
Colour determines the attractiveness of the article.

(iv)       Thickness:
The type of article being produced will determine the thickness of leather that is   required.

(v)        Area/Size:
Certain articles require wider area or size of leather while some require a smaller area of  leather.

(vi)       Defects:
Absence or presence of defects in leather determines the cutting value e.g.  cuts, scars,   insect bites etc.

            (vii)      Texture:
The surface quality of the leather used in producing articles could be soft, smooth or rough.