RE: Stone Cooking Pits and Hide Tanning: Primitive Skills Inspiration
Earth's Children all right! That's it! You know, I heard about that series of books maybe ten years ago, on Red Ice Radio. (Back then it was a super open-minded alternative station, but since then they've become super alt-right, so I can't recommend it any more.) Anyway, I remember hearing about these books, but forgot the essentials (titles, author, etc.) so I went back trying to find the right episode, or maybe do a search for the books, but to no avail. So now that you mentioned it I'm quite excited about recognizing it.
As for pit cooking, I'm just thinking hangi in New Zealand, and barbacoa, birria, or cochinita pibil in Mexico. Delicious! I'm sure if you do this a number of times you'll discover your perfect recipe, and bring it to perfection.
And congrats for not scraping too many holes into that hide! I know when I tried doing the same there was not much of it left at the end. Though admittedly, it was flimsy little rabbit skin.
sweet!! glad to help recall.. and yes!! soooo many traditional styles of cooking similar to this. i will def keep going until i get good at it! :) and thanks, yeah those holes you see were actually from our friend's arrow as he killed the deer. the next step - taking off the hair and grain layer is usually a bit trickier as far as not getting holes. last time bacterial decomposition actually made a couple of holes - it speeds up in the heat of summer. hopefully these cold temps will give this beginner an easier and more forgiving time :)
Wow, respect for bow-hunting the deer... AND killing it! You have awesome friends!