Milan Lichard
People learnt to separate the smaller, useable parts from wood. Nowadays wood is also divided and processed the most economic and well-known, old-fashioned way. Splitting wet, natural wood shortly after harvesting is less demanding. Washing tubs are an example of a trade requiring the processing of natural wood. The experience of generations noticed that water couldn’t be compressed but the characteristics of some elements in wood when drying could be altered when changing from liquid to solid. The natural division of wood is used in basket making when splitting twigs. Hollows for some types of pipes and whistles were obtained by tearing the core out of hazel twigs torn into half. Strips of wood and splints were separated from natural or blanched hazel or oak sticks to weave baskets, for creating chairs etc. For better durability, this method was used for classical roof coverings in areas rich in wood – shingle. This type of construction was used to create old-fashioned vessels containing supplies, and these were created without metal bolts in such a way that any water would run over them, and valuable clothes were protected or supplies safeguarded against rodents. We can be pleased that the interest in the natural beauty of this material and its multiple uses is growing.