Carpincho: The Unique Water Pig of South America

AN EXOTIC HIDE EXPLAINED – CARPINCHO AKA CAPYBARA HIDE

EXOTIC – AUTHENTIC – 100% GENUINE CARPINCHO, CAPYBARA HIDE? COUNTERFEIT? KNOW THE DIFFERENCE ….

Carpincho (Spanish) it is also also called Capybara (Portuguese)

Carpincho leather is manufactured from the soft hide of the (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) Carpincho is Portuguese, which means ‘water pig’, and is also known and universally Capybara. The Capybara is a South American, semi-aquatic mammal and is very unusual in other parts of the world. In Argentina, they live in the northern parts of Argentina, some parts of Brazil and Paraguay. Most crafters feel the best specimens are found in Argentina. Their habitat is in the marshy swamp grounds and rivers of the Corrientes Province.

The Capybara is not an endangered however Argentina strictly regulates the harvesting and exporting of any of these animal hide byproducts. Every product is required to be certificated and proven as ‘farm raised’ and only then can a Capybara product or hide be processed through to the next phase of its transport. In fact, Argentina is the only manufacturing exporter in the world of Capybara products.

The spots on the Carpincho leather are natural hair follicles and any hide scars are part of the animal’s history of growth. All hides have these characteristics. It is best to remember animal hides and skins are made by nature, meaning they are not perfect, each one being unique. If you are looking for a flawless leather, hide or skin, you will need to look for a man-made (machine made) or simulated product.

It is interesting to point out that counterfeit Capybara products have become more widespread throughout the international marketplace. It is because the animal hides are so strictly regulated, they are very difficult for the Artisan to procure. Worldwide these stunningly beautiful Carpincho products are only exported from one country, Argentina. No other country in the world are they legally crafted or exported. For these reasons in addition to many other factors, the Carpincho counterfeit market has found a niche in mainstream shopping in Europe and South America.

It can, at times, take a trained eye to note the difference in authentic and look alike, so we can give you a few buying tips. First and foremost, imperfections such as scares or hide irregularities are often times the best sign you are looking at a genuine Capybara product. Secondly, the price should reflex is authenticity and rarity. In the example photograph below, you will see how structured and symmetrical the simulated the hair hole fascicles are spaced with even pattern and depth. This dull, flat looking finish will not have a soft, buttery texture but rather a stiff, ruff feel.

Carpincho leather has been compared to the finest leathers in the world such as reptile, ostrich and crocodile. You may find that it reminds you of suede but much more buttery, soft and supple. It is very delicate to the touch, however to the contrary of what you may think, Capincho hide’s durability surpasses any leather product in today‘s market place. It is actually its softness, durability and characteristic dots that make this leather so exclusive and sought after by connoisseurs of exotic hides, world around.

BELOW ARE TWO IMAGES OF COUNTERFEIT CARPINCHO HIDES