About Gene Albitre

Eugene  “Gene” Albitre has been working all aspects of rawhide for over 50 years, using Buffalo; Elk; Deer and Beef animal skins.  Rawhide is an art that has almost been forgotten but once played a critical role in the old West and for thousands of years in Native culture. 

At the age of 13, Gene, had the privilege of having a Native American vaquero from the Tejon Ranch, Salvador Carmelo, introduce and pass down to him the art of rawhide braiding used by the vaqueros or cowboys of the Central Valley.  Gene went on to learn tan hides using natural materials and other aspects of working rawhide.

Growing upon a ranch in the mountains outside of Bakersfield and Gene’s Native American (Digueño) heritage allowed him the opportunity to utilize his skills for both the Cowboy and Native American community.

Albitre Traditional Rawhide Creations are one of a kind specialized items that cannot be duplicated by machine and are extremely unique in today’s world.  Gene’s knowledge of Rawhide is a rare window to gain an understanding of the vital role that rawhide has played which once helped facilitate the survival of cultures, both for Natives and Cowboys.