Abstract The unique biodiversity of Costa Rica and development of tourist-centric infrastructure have not only spurred tourism in the country but also generated economic benefits for the handicraft sector. Handicrafts embody the symbolic values of culture, showcase artisans’ manual skills, and utilise a variety of raw materials, including wood. This study characterises the wood material used in the handicraft industry of Costa Rica by examining the species used, their characteristics, the products developed, and the marketing and distribution channels employed by the vendors. A qualitative, descriptive-complementary methodology was utilised, involving in situ data collection through semi-structured interviews, supplemented by insights acknowledged as an important tool for development by evaluators. The findings reveal that most workshops are small manufacturers, employing fewer than five people, and primarily use small-dimension sawlogs, lumber, and end-boards as raw materials. Nearly 29 different timber species are utilised, the most common being Cedrela odorata, Bombacopsis quinata and Dalbergia retusa . The predominant products manufactured are functional items like spoons, cups, toys and vases, followed by decorative and ludic (playful) products. These items often feature motifs that reflect the region’s rich biodiversity, religious themes, and cultural heritage, which are appealing to tourists. Some workshops distribute their handicrafts to local tourist shops, while others sell directly to these establishments or operate their own retail outlets. For this purpose, they employ four main marketing and distribution channels: dealers, websites, social media and direct sales.
Abstract The paper analyses wood samples taken from 253 artifacts unearthed at the main shipyard in Nanjing, where the “treasure ships” placed under the command of Admiral Zheng He were built. Zheng He sailed in the years 1405–1433, making several expeditions, each consisting of 200 to 300 ships along the Chinese coast to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. Excavations were carried out in one of the three remaining basins (out of 13 originally). In total, eight wood species were identified. We microscopically identified Cunninghamia lanceolata, Pinus subgen. Diploxylon, Tectona grandis, Erythrophloeum fordii, Castanopsis sp., Shorea sp., Cotylelobium sp., and Diospyros sp. Of these, Cunninghamia lanceolata was the most commonly used, followed by Pinus subgen. Diploxylon and Tectona grandis . These three species accounted for 96.44% of the total number of samples. Our results indicate that sailors had already comprehended the properties and mastered the use of selected wood species at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty 600 years ago.
Abstract Despite the multidecadal tradition of dendroarchaeological research in Hungary, few case studies have reported dendrochronological results from historic rural buildings. To address this gap, this study presents the dendrochronological analysis of historic oak timber from four vernacular constructions in western Hungary. Oak was the dominant species, with a minor contribution (10%) of beech. Cross-dated ring-width series of the oak samples derived from historic stairs removed during renovation of a building in Kőhányáspuszta produced a 102-year tree-ring chronology, which was synchronized to 1731–1832. Ring-width series from oak samples from the barn of a parsonage in Vigántpetend produced two cross-dated datasets: a 152-year series ( n = 5) and a 98-year series ( n = 3), synchronized to 1731–1882 and 1830–1927, respectively. The ring-width series of beech samples ( n = 2) provided a 61-year floating chronology but remained undated because of the lack of an appropriate local reference chronology. Cross-dated ring-width series from oak samples derived from the wooden structure of a water mill in Örvényes produced a 157-year tree-ring chronology, synchronized to 1694–1850. Ring-width series from two beams collected from the roof truss of the associated storage house produced a 59-year object chronology, synchronized to 1810–1868. The successfully dated mean ring-width chronologies for each construction showed the strongest cross-dating statistics when compared to a nearby local oak chronology, supporting local timber use in the Transdanubian Range up to the early 20th century.
Abstract The Amazonas encapsulate the most extensive biological reserve in the world. Most of its species have a positive impact on the Amazon inhabitants’ livelihoods, providing food, by-products, wood, and non-wood forest products in myriad forms, flavours, essences, and uses. Among these, palm dates, the Brazil nut, and asaí ( Euterpe precatoria ) provide products with commercial value for local dwellers as well as foreign markets. Asaí, or açaí, has been widely used in house building, traditional medicine preparations, and staple food. The asaí berry has also been recognized as a super-fruit because it fulfils all nutritional requirements and provides antioxidants and anthocyanins. The Pando region in the Bolivian Amazon consists of floodplains providing around 85% of the asaí in the territory. Traditionally, asaí was sold directly to Brazilian retailers, but this side-selling is no longer possible due to the creation of three Amazonian fruit processing centres that have helped to increase the demand for asaí. The method uses clean energy to heat water for processing, thus reducing the impact of side-selling, which lacks eco-friendly technologies. Adopting clean technologies and Good Agricultural Practices ( GAP ) help to fulfill the No 12 Sustainable Development Goal. On the other hand, the development of the asaí value chain has oriented pulp production to niche markets at the national level, even though there is a food security legal framework that is enforced by the creation of public food programs and food enterprises. One example of these, EMAPA , has a principal objective to produce, store, and commercialize local food products at fair prices and high levels of quality, but so far asai and other Amazonian fruits have not been incorporated into food programs for vulnerable populations.
Abstract This study presents a comprehensive archaeometric and technological investigation of seven wooden statues dating to the Old Kingdom (ca. 2686–2181 BCE ) discovered at Saqqara, Egypt. The research aims to characterize the materials, manufacturing techniques, and surface treatments employed by ancient Egyptian craftsmen to ensure both the structural durability and symbolic efficacy of statuary intended to house the ka , or vital essence, of the deceased. A multi-analytical approach integrating optical microscopy ( OM ), environmental scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and technical imaging ( VIS, IRR and VIL ) was employed to identify wood taxa, pigment composition, and preparatory materials. Microscopic analysis identified four native timbers — Ficus sycomorus, Vachellia nilotica, Faidherbia albida , and Tamarix sp. — selected for their mechanical strength, availability, and symbolic associations. Structural examination revealed the extensive use of pegged mortise-and-loose-tenon joints and protruding foot tenons fitted into base grooves, reflecting an advanced empirical understanding of load distribution, stress absorption, and long-term stability. The surface finishing system consisted of multi-layered gesso reinforced with linen, demonstrating early preventive measures against wood movement and deterioration. Spectroscopic analyses identified a pigment palette comprising calcium carbonate, carbon black, malachite, Egyptian blue, iron oxides and jarosite — materials chosen for their optical properties, chemical stability and symbolic resonance with rebirth and divinity. The integration of technological innovation, aesthetic refinement, and theological intent illustrates the high level of craftsmanship achieved during the Old Kingdom. Collectively, these findings illuminate the synergy between material science, artistic practice, and religious ideology in ancient Egyptian statuary production, reaffirming the artisans’ mastery in transforming organic matter into enduring expressions of eternal life.
