Although I have decided to keep this rug, I am still not sure about the quality.  Many of the leather strips fall out and have to re-woven in which I do with a crochet hook, so that's not really a problem for me.  The bigger problem is the smell!  I thought it would dissipate but after a week of airing it out outside and spraying it with Fabreeze the odor is still there.  I'm not convinced that it is just the smell of leather because it smells of mildew to me.  I am really hoping that in time it WILL dissipate because the rug looks great in my living room and it's really kind of a fun & different item.