Trading in Ideas and Timber
Woodworking and hand tools have always been intricately tied to the cultures in which they develop. From the guilds of Rome to the skilled artisans of ancient China and even the rise of personal garage shops in 1950s America, woodworking has been shaped by geography, politics, and cultural norms. This context is essential to understanding the history of woodworking and hand tools.
The utilization of hand tools in woodworking can be attributed to the mathematical and artistic progress achieved by ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Lebanon, and Iran. Since timber resources were abundant, wooden articles were commonly used. Furthermore, the high demand for religious articles and exquisitely crafted furniture and art pieces added to the rich history of woodworking.
Local sources as well as trade with countries rich in forests, such as Lebanon with its iconic cedar tree featured on their flag to this day, made wood readily available. Various kinds of timber were exchanged between regions, with careful consideration given to the unique characteristics of each type and its optimal application.
The Middle East allowed for a great deal of cultural exchange facilitated by trade, religion, and even war.
Genesis: Bible Account on Ancient Woodworkers
The Book of Genesis, a well-known section in the Bible for children, introduces Noah as one of the greatest carpenters in history, as he played a crucial role in God’s grand scheme for humanity.
Noah gained recognition for constructing the “ark” out of cypress wood and covering it with pitch. The ark built by Noah has specific measurements resembling a 4-story building, measuring 300 L X 50 W X 30 H cubits or 450 L X 75 W X 45 H.
Noah’s remarkable woodworking abilities are truly a gift, and the Bible serves as evidence that this craft has been a part of human history since the beginning.
Solomon enlisted skilled artisans from the coastal city of Tyre, as detailed in Kings 5:1 of the Hebrew Bible, to construct his temple. These artisans were Phoenicians renowned for their exquisite woodworking, such as crafting furniture adorned with elaborately carved ivory inlays.
Over time, the Israelites’ woodworking abilities have become better. According to Isaiah 44:13, carpentry became a more significant part of the Israelites’ activities and the carpenters were included among those who were exiled to Babylon after the Babylonians took over Jerusalem in 597 B.C., as mentioned in Jeremiah 24:1 and 29:2.
Lebanese cedar was brought into the Biblical world from Lebanon due to its desirable fragrance, ability to resist insects and decay, and superior quality.
The wood from Lebanese cedar trees was used to construct numerous structures including Solomon’s temple, various palaces, and seafaring vessels. Additionally, it is thought that the boat Jesus and his followers used for fishing and traveling across the Sea of Galilee in the first century A.D. was also constructed from this wood.
Following the severe drought that led to a significant decrease in water levels, two brothers stumbled upon a boat on the northwestern coast of the Sea of Galilee. The boat is presumed to have been built between 100 B.C. and 100 A.D, inferred from the nail and construction techniques used. This 27-foot-long, 7-foot-wide vessel is the first nearly intact boat discovered in the Sea of Galilee.
Egypt: Beauty in The Desert
Woodworking Without Trees
Despite the expansive, arid deserts of Egypt, it flourished largely because of the fertile soil along the banks of the Nile River, whose periodic inundations provided ideal conditions for the emergence of one of the most significant and influential ancient Middle Eastern civilizations. Even today, the artistic, mathematical, and scientific feats of the ancient Egyptians remain a source of fascination for contemporary society.
The ancient Egyptians possessed great ability in woodworking and were the pioneers of manual tools and basic machinery, including the dual-operator lathe.
Despite being less talked about compared to their statues and burial practices, ancient Egyptian wooden items are stunning and have been extensively utilized for numerous years. Their woodworking history is a crucial landmark in the discipline. However, what makes their woodworking history peculiar is that Egypt had no forests.
Although their supply of wood was mostly brought in from other countries, in the past, wood was a crucial commodity. Due to the need for wooden constructs and items, there was a significant endeavor to acquire wood from regions with more forests, with Lebanon being the primary source.
A Forest in The Desert
Skipping to the present, experts are working on creating forests that can thrive in the arid environment of Egypt. With climate change and pollution affecting the fertility of the land in the country, global scientists are collaborating to establish an irrigated forest that can survive in the desert. The primary objectives of this project are to revive the diminishing fertile areas and address the environmental concerns.
Cedars From Across The Sea
Let’s pick up where we left off, discussing imported timber. Egypt’s indigenous trees, including acacia, tamarisk, date palm, and sycamore fig, produced poor quality and weak timber, although some of them were fruit-bearing. Specific crafts utilized palm fibers. To obtain sturdy timber, the Egyptians sought trade connections with Phoenicia, which includes present-day Lebanon, Israel, and Syria.
The ancestry of the Lebanese has long been linked to the Phoenicians; however, a recent study substantiates that the Lebanese population shares 93% of their DNA with their ancient Phoenician predecessors.
Lebanese Cedar was highly valued by the ancient Phoenicians due to its age and durability. They used it to construct their ships, which allowed them to navigate the Mediterranean. Egyptians previously utilized local timber to create their boats; however, their vessels became sturdier after collaborating with the Phoenicians and adopting their technique of using Lebanese Cedar.
Advanced Woodworking: The Proof is in The Painting
There is compelling evidence that the ancient Egyptians were skilled in woodworking, as demonstrated by the wooden furniture, objects, and tools they left behind, as well as the depictions of woodwork in their art. In fact, they explicitly conveyed their expertise in woodworking through their artwork.
Many works of art from ancient times illustrate artisans skillfully utilizing tools to manipulate wood. Certain tools depicted are easily identifiable and remain in use presently. Among these depictions, there is a striking painting of two men diligently wielding saws and chisels.
Woodworkers have been utilizing the same techniques for thousands of years, which makes working with hand tools enjoyable. It’s fascinating to see an image from ancient times and realize that their methods are nearly identical to yours.
Tools and Techniques
Pull saws, chisels, bow drills, axes, and adzes were utilized by the Egyptians of olden times. Copper was the original material used in the creation of their tools, but was later substituted with bronze during circa 2,000 BCE. The process of ironworking had yet to be developed. To function as planes, a type of sandstone that had a fine texture was utilized. Furthermore, a two-person lathe was invented by the Egyptians around the year 1300 BCE.
Evidence suggests that the technique of mortise and tenon joinery was being utilized by humans in settlements along the banks of the Nile before 3100 BCE. Additionally, some attribute the invention of wood varnishing to the Egyptians.
Although the precise recipe is uncertain, it is possible that they utilized a blend of resins, including sap and solvents. During the New Kingdom era (1550-1077 BCE), a wood adhesive was produced using animal skin and fat.
Furniture For The Dead
Egypt’s arid climate has helped preserve numerous instances of well-maintained furniture. Typically, wooden items would deteriorate due to decay and usage over the years. Scant few relics remain from the ancient past, forcing historians and archaeologists to depend on metallic equipment and contemporary records.
The rich and powerful deceased of ancient Egypt were buried with earthly possessions for their afterlife, including durable chairs as it is difficult to exist forever without one. As a result, the tombs were well-equipped.
earliest known chairs with a back can be traced back to paintings on the walls of the tomb of the King’s chief doctor and dentist in the Third Dynasty (approximately 2686-2613 BCE). This person had a great admiration for his impressive assortment of high-quality wooden furniture, but stools preceded chairs in history.
Fit For a Queen / King
One of the most exquisite instances of tomb furnishings is attributed to Queen Hetepheres from the start of the Fourth Dynasty (2613-2589 BCE). Her furniture has been reconstructed by archaeologists by utilizing the remains discovered and detailed painted accounts.
The furniture she owned was genuinely planned and made with intricate details such as sculpted lion paws and papyrus reeds. It showcases both mitering and dovetailing, seamlessly concealed and covered in gold, while also employing dowels that were tipped with gold to resemble nails.
The furniture discovered in Tutankhamun’s renowned tomb contained genuine gold and silver nails, as well as a variety of mitering, tongue-and-groove, and butterfly joints. This pharaoh’s burial site was a veritable treasure trove of masterful carpentry and still holds the most extensive assortment of ancient Egyptian wooden furniture.
Woodworking samples found in other tombs exhibited inlaid designs that were not as complex as those of the Islamic region, as well as the application of high-quality wood veneers on top of cheaper ones.
Greek Carpentry as Form of Art
During ancient times in Greece, there was a notable period of enlightenment characterized by refined Egyptian influences and a focus on the arts and sciences. However, it is unfortunate to note that Master Carpenters, who were predominantly from the lower classes or what was termed as “Thetes,” were sometimes treated as slaves while constructing structures and buildings.
The earliest temple structures, made of wood, were constructed by Greek carpenters, and later transformed into stone through a process called “petrification”. Additionally, these carpenters pioneered the use of wooden timber trusses, very similar to those found in a king’s truss, which were incorporated into several temples.
The design of doors in ancient Greece incorporated hardwood cylinders as supports, rather than hinges, which were significantly larger and longer. The carpentry techniques of Greek style were systemized into three main categories: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.
Athena, the Greek goddess, held the titles of both the Goddess of Wisdom and the deity of carpentry. Individuals involved in carpentry, woodcutting, shipbuilding, and chariot construction were under her safeguard. Tekton, the son of Harmon, the Adjuster, was cherished by her as a carpenter.
Tekton constructed different wood masterpieces, including the ship that brought Helen to Troy. Athena is believed to intervene at all stages of woodworking, like when she directed the construction of the Argonauts’ ship. She also taught Argos, a carpenter, the art of measuring wood lengths using a ruler.
Discovering the connection between Greek mythology and the art of woodworking is truly captivating. It showcases the Greeks’ profound passion for both woodcraft and the arts. We pay tribute to the deities who provide guidance and protection to Greek artisans who work with wood.
Unleashing Early Chinese Woodworking
Woodworking began to impact the Chinese civilization circa 720 B.C. The Chinese civilization has acquired accurate measurements for producing furniture items and other complex woodworking practices.
One of the pioneers of woodworking in China was Lu Ban, a well-known carpenter. He introduced several woodworking tools to the country, including the chalk line and the plane. His insights on woodworking were even compiled into a book called the “Manuscript of Lu Ban”.
The Lu Ban Jing book records the carpentry works of Lu Ban and provides the necessary measurements and explanations for constructing various items, such as tables, flower pots, and altars. Additionally, the book includes a depiction of a Traditional Chinese Hand Plane.
Furthermore, he gave clear directives regarding the concept of Feng Shui, also known as “wind and water,” an age-old Chinese tradition of arranging objects such as fixtures and furniture in advantageous positions to encourage prosperity, happiness, good health, and ultimate well-being.
Despite China’s significant contributions and exceptional woodworking skills, the absence of any reference to their famous glueless and nail-less joinery technique is peculiarly noteworthy in the books.
Unveiling Japanese Success in Woodworking
Originating from Japan, the woodworking technique of fitting joints with exact precision and abstaining from the use of electric glue, nails, or equipment to secure wood pieces together is a distinctive hallmark of Japanese woodworkers.
The creation of casks and barrels along with bentwood works, which involve shaping wood for furniture, gained popularity in Japan as common household items. Japan is renowned for its suanda art, which features traditional Japanese joinery techniques.
Side notes
From ancient times to the present day, woodworking has had a significant impact on our lives. It has shown us how our ancestors utilized wood to fulfil their basic necessities, defend themselves against dangerous animals and foes, and construct houses for their loved ones.
The ceaseless endeavors of carpenters and woodworkers are greatly acknowledged and valued for their sharing, influencing, and contribution of various woodworking techniques, enabling us to reap the ultimate advantages of wood, ranging from basic implements and machinery to intricate works of art and towering structures.
Preserved wooden artifacts displayed in national museums serve as a reminder of the inspiring legacy and culture of our ancestors in woodworking, which continues to be cherished even today.
