I have used paper, rawhide, silk, linen and other materials for bow backings with good results but I have also had bows with most those backings break. The backings are only as good as the bow they are used on or bowyer using them. It is not a miracle worker.
Except for thick skinned snakes I consider snake skins as a decorative backing only. For more protection use rawhide, silk or linen under the skins.