Editorial board
Inlaying metal into wood is one technique for using metal as a decorative material. However, this decorative function is not the sole one. On the contrary, when exploring the origin we find – as is always the rule in folk production – a primary practical, technological and utilitarian function, which only gained its decorative character over the course of time. Metal inlay was used on spindles, bagpipes, hatchets, whips, sticks and knife handles to harden the wood and protect it from splitting.