Amadou

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Amadou is a soft, sponge-like material from the hoof-shaped fungus Fomes fomentarius that grows on tree bark. It’s also called tinder fungus because it helps start fires.

To use it, people remove the fungus from the tree, scrape off the hard outer layer, and cut thin strips from the inner sponge.

In ancient times, amadou was highly valued for fire making. Bits found preserved in peat show it was used long ago, and the 5,000-year-old Ötzi the Iceman carried it on his journeys.

Amadou absorbs a lot of water. It’s used in fly fishing to dry wet flies, and it can be made into a felt-like fabric for hats and other items, or used as a kind of artificial leather. Mycologist Paul Stamets wears a hat made from amadou.

Preparing amadou involves pounding it flat and boiling it or soaking it in a nitre solution. One method is to soak a slice in washing soda for a week, then beat it and let it dry. When it’s first softened, it is still hard and must be pounded to flatten it.

Today, the traditional trade of making amadou products is becoming rare in parts of Europe.