Woodwork from Ancient Rus Chernihiv (Materials of Excavations on the Territory of Chernihiv Dytynets in 2006)

Abstract

The article deals with the analysis of woodwork found in one of the structures on the territory of Chernihiv dytynets in 2006. The stratigraphic data allow the authors to interpret the structure as a recessed part (basement) of a large building. It can be dated within the 13th century. Wooden objects found in the filling of the building included a chiseled dish, fragments of other chiseled and carved vessels, two hollowed containers, the bottom of the cooperage vessel, fragmented products made of bark, a spoon, and the remains of a loom. Some details of construction of the building were also found. Besides the usual visual examination, wooden artifacts were studied to determine the feedstock for every kind of product. Diagnosis of timber was conducted based on the specifics of its microstructure. The investigated set of wooden utensils from Chernihiv is traditional for Ancient Rus material culture. Among the findings are the products of home crafts (remains of loom and hollowed containers) and professional artisans (chiseled, carved and cooperage products) are both presented. They were made of local wood species, such as: pine (Pinus sylvestris), oak (Quercus sp.), maple (Acer sp.), lime (Tilia sp.), poplar/aspen (Populus sp.), and willow (Salicaceae). When using different species of wood, their properties and their conformity to products with different functions were taken into account