Woodworkers use wood to construct, create, or carve items. A woodworker will usually work on their own, though some woodworkers may be hired on a commission basis. In addition to artistic pieces, many woodworkers create everyday items such as chairs, tables, and cabinets. Woodworking is one of the world’s most ancient crafts.
Some of the first stone tools used by Neanderthals were used to cut into wood, according to archaeologists. As a result, wood was one of the first materials that man combined with animal parts, stones, and mud. Wooden spears, eating utensils, bowls, vases, and even rough chairs are thought to have been made by Neanderthals.
Furthermore, woodworking can be seen in a lot of Egyptian cave drawings. More evidence has been discovered to support the theory that wood was an important material for the Egyptians. Inside Egyptian tombs, various wooden objects ranging from chests to tables have been preserved. These artifacts include intricate carvings that show how important woodworking was to the Egyptians.
The woodworker’s craft was also very important to the Ancient Chinese. For its delicate beauty and practical durability, Chinese wooden furniture is still highly prized around the world today. The majority of Chinese furniture made of wood comes from trees that are native to China. While this was once true of any woodworking civilization, the advent of transportation changed how wooden items were made.
The average woodworker began experimenting with these newer materials as soon as it became possible to ship all types of wood across the globe. Previously, the origins of wooden objects could be easily traced back to the type of wood used, but this is no longer the case. Many modern woodworkers use wood from all over the world, though some traditionalists prefer to use wood from their own countries.
Regrettably, the woodworking industry has largely vanished in the Western world. Because most wooden objects sold in the West are now made in factories, the common woodworker is in short supply. Even so, some woodworkers keep small shops selling wooden furniture and art, even if these items are of little interest to customers looking for low-cost wooden objects.
Many famous woodworkers have influenced society throughout history. Alvar Aalto, John Boson, and Mark Lindquist are just a few of the great designers. Although woodworkers were once regarded as necessary members of a functional society, their profession is no longer in demand.