Fore-Fote imports only the highest quality goat and cow skins direct from Guinea, West Africa. All skins are hand chosen by Fore-Fote in Guinea and shipped directly back to our U.S. offices. These are the same exact skins we use on our own drums. All goat skins are very large and very even in thickness for superb tonal production and distinction. They are available both shaved and unshaved. Shaved skins are shaved in Guinea before shipping and are ready to be soaked and put on your djembe right away, saving unexperienced drum skinners the hassle of shaving and perhaps tearing their new skin. Unshaved skins have the beautiful fur left on for those who prefer the look of fur around the edge of their drum.