The unique full aniline leather derived from this magnificent antelope is strong, supple and silky to the touch. In order to survive in the very dry semi desert and desert conditions of the Kalahari and the Namib, Oryx store water in their hide. This results in a soft spongy-like texture. The large hair follicles evident on the grain, allows the course hair breathing passage to ventilate the skin in the extreme heat conditions. The fibre structure of the Oryx skin is therefore open, allowing tanning agents to penetrate the fibre structure. The result is a robust leather ideal for furniture. Natural defects are a characteristic and mainly as a result of the struggle for dominance in the herd where sharp horns are used as instruments of battle which damage the hides.