In the process of using cowhide to make an isidwaba, after the cow is slaughtered, the cowhide is stretched and dried in the sun for approximately three days. Thereafter, the hide is dipped into water for a period of seven days to decompose. The hair is scraped and removed from the decomposed hide, after which the hide is dried in the sun using Umbhobe (Milkwood tree). The hide is scrubbed with a brush, creating a suede like texture. It is removed from the sun a day before it is issued to a team that will squash, straighten, soften and dye it. The hide's black colour is achieved by applying a mixture of oil and wood ashes / charcoal.
