Handmade wooden items have been accompanying a person in everyday life for many centuries. There is perhaps no more versatile material than wood. What has not been made of wood, from the time of primitive society to the present day? In ancient times, wood was processed using simple stones or pieces of wood themselves. Subsequently, it was treated with metal or abrasive materials, at first primitive, then more advanced. Almost everything was made of wood: houses, dishes, interior items, boats, household utensils, and even shoes. Man has always depended on the forest.
History and ancient beliefs.
Before making luxury wooden watch boxes or wooden bags or any other luxury item, the woods were something like a holy thing for humans. From the very beginning of human civilization, the tree has played a special role. Many peoples considered it an object of worship, the tree was deified. After all, this is a building material, and a roof over your head, heat, furniture, and much more.
Ancient people believed that the forest has a powerful force, it is a living organism, the son of Mother Nature. He, too, can experience joy and pain. That is why it was believed that the forest can be cut only in late autumn and winter when he sleeps and does not feel the pain so much.
They asked nature for permission to cut down trees. There was a whole ritual: they brought treats to the forest, approached the plant, bowed low, and only then started cutting down. Not every tree could be cut down. Too young – these are still children, they were inviolable. Old trees kept the souls of their ancestors, so they were treated with respect and honor. Of course, they were not cut down either.
Wooden products in the modern world.
Modern artists of decorative and applied arts – folk, professional, amateur – in search of forms and means of artistic expression, rely on the centuries-old traditions of national and world art.
Modern people are trying to choose for themselves items made from natural materials. That’s why wooden handmade items are so popular nowadays. You can even say that the fashion for naturalness has come. And in this regard, wooden products again began to enjoy great popularity.
In a modern interior, wooden boxes, clocks, wooden-framed mirrors, all kinds of coffee tables, lamps, and a candlestick can easily be accommodated.
In the kitchen, the tree will look especially good: plates, dishes, boards, rolling pins, bowls, tea houses, and even spoons that our ancestors used more recently. Now all this is made not only as decorative elements but also as items that can be safely used in everyday life.
Most importantly, the wooden object is unique. A hand-crafted wood or a workpiece designed in a certain style (painted, aged, carved) will always be unique. And the material itself has its own characteristics. The color of the tree, its pattern, and patterns are created by nature. It has no repeats.
Advantages of wood products.
- Wood is an environmentally friendly material. Products from it will definitely not harm your health, they will not emit toxic substances.
- Good thermal insulation. Food in wooden utensils cools more slowly and lasts longer. Such dishes have the “property of the refrigerator.” It is not for nothing that hunters used to take food in wooden and birch bark containers with them into the forest.
- Favorably affects well-being. There is even a separate method of wood treatment – hydrotherapy. In Russia, they always knew: press your cheek against the aspen – your teeth will stop whining, lean against the bird cherry with a bruised spot – the bruise will disappear, go up to the oak – you will immediately feel a surge of strength.
- Wooden products are waterproof. But it is better not to abuse the contact of the tree with water.
