Symbolism
The use of animal skin, however, is not only determined by practical considerations. It also has a symbolic meaning. Animal skins protect the human wearer's body just as they protect their original animal owners. The skin from an animal's head is often used for the cap; the pelt from the animal's back is turned into the back panel and the shoulders of a garment; the trousers are made from the pelt on the animal's hind quarters' and the tough skin taken from animals' legs is used for making boots. These characteristics of clothing can be regarded as symbolising the link between humans and animals. Many of the peoples inhabiting the Arctic region use animal symbolism in their clothing. The tails on the Inuit's coat are a good example of this.

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