Vol. 2, Issue 8, Part B (2016)

Abstract
The research is focused on the deficiencies affecting the open-air drying method used Ghanaian indigenous tanners, where quite a number of pelts are hanged on drying lines or spread on the ground for air or sun drying but are susceptible to the gathering of dust which cause irreparable stains on the leathers. The weight of the soaked pelt or leather also do not make hanging effective and tanners do not find it easy removing them fort and back during rainy seasons. Based on the identified drying deficiencies confronting indigenous tanners, the researchers sought to use the qualitative research method in pursuance of which the observational, studio based research and descriptive research designs were used, to design and produce an open-air leather drying equipment in wooden. design and produce a blue print drying equipment that can easily be reproduced by local craftsmen. The finished equipment enabled leather to be stretched on both sides of flat wooden boards or plywood that are fixed into specially designed slots that support ventilation, the arrangement of the leathers on the slotted boards does not give room for dust or dirt to settle on them and are thus protected from stains. Besides, it is also easy to lift the device and its content from one place to another in the event of unfriendly weather conditions. The drying equipment will serve as a blue print for the local tanning industry, and it will not require any extraordinary skills to manufacture it, the use of wood as the core material also makes it easy for reproduction by average woodworker or carpenter.