woodworking

Medieval notebook

We can see Latin, scratched into the book’s wax 700-800 years ago. What is it? This well-preserved medieval ‘notebook’ dates to the 13th or 14th century. Measuring 10cm by 7.5cm, the book comprises ten wooden tablets covered in wax –…

Polynesian vessel resurfaces

The remains of a waka (traditional boat) have been found on Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Island, the largest of the Chatham Islands archipelago, 800km east of New Zealand. Fragments of the boat were exposed in a creek and a limited excavation…

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Wooden snake figurine

Snakes are rarely depicted in rock art in northern Europe, and are known to have had symbolic significance in the later world views of the Finno-Ugric and Sámi peoples

James Cook’s Thunderbird club

What is it? This ceremonial yew-wood weapon – dating to the late 18th century – was made by the Nuu-cha-nulth people of the Pacific North-west Coast of Canada. Measuring 25cm in length, the club handle is decorated with black human…