In Using the noggin, Saginaw hunter masters brain-tanning is the tale how Dave Risdon of Saginaw, Minnesota is using an ancient Indian technique involving deer brains to tan hides.
The process is called brain-tanning. Most animal skins these days are tanned using chemicals. But when Risdon, a bear and deer hunter, decided four or five years ago to begin tanning his own hides, he didn't want to use chemicals. He bought a couple of books. He started collecting brains.
The difference between a chemically tanned and brain-tanned deer hide is like the difference between a TV dinner and supper at your grandmother's. Commercially tanned hides are thick and nappy, uniform in color. They are nice enough, but have a store-bought look about them.
Brain-tanned and smoked hides are supple and lovely to look at, with a soft patina that varies from one part of the hide to another. Depending on how long they're smoked, they can be a yellowish cream, golden brown or deep brown. Long after they're folded and put away, they retain a faint smoky scent, something that calls to mind a low fire that has burned down to coals.
Risdon tans mostly deer, but also has tanned a skunk, raccoon and a bear. He's at work on a moose. From his deer hides, he has fashioned the shirts, a purse, small pouches, a wallet, moccasins, a sport coat and mukluks.
There is no indication that anyone has tried this with human brains, but if you should stop finding useful things to do with yours, perhaps you might consider donating it to Dave Risdon.