Woodworking: Bent Wood Box *

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Instructor: Meelis Kihulane

Bent wood boxes are a traditional type of container with a long history. In Estonia, the earliest examples of these containers, made from thin wooden strips or boards and then stitched together, date back to the 13th century. Historically, people used bent-wood items for many purposes: large boxes and baskets (hampers) were used for keeping food and clothing; sieves and sifters were used in the household for preparing food; and smaller, decorated boxes were used as jewel cases.

This workshop is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience and learn about working with wood. Participants will make a small, lightweight bent wood box with a diameter of 10–15 centimeters. We use thin strips (shreds) of ash or oak wood. The ends of the strip are bent to form a circle and then sewn together using natural materials like roots or feathers. The wood is first made flexible by soaking it in hot water or treating it with steam. A wooden lid and bottom (made of birch or alder) are attached using small wooden pegs (dowels). The fee covers all materials needed for one box and the use of all tools.

Work is mainly done using hand tools such as a knife, saw, chisel, and bradawl (a small tool for making holes). No previous woodworking experience is needed to attend this course. Participants should have an average ability to handle basic hand tools.

Meet the instructor

Meelis Kihulane is a dedicated guardian of Estonian traditional woodcraft heritage. For over 15 years, he has focused on studying and experimenting with historic Estonian folk methods. This involves working with heritage tools, using only local materials, and researching and recreating ancient objects.

Meelis actively shares his knowledge: he teaches folk woodworking and furniture making courses daily at his Edeva Eremiidi Woodworking School and also gives lectures and training sessions on the subject throughout Estonia. Meelis’ primary mission is to keep Estonian woodcraft heritage and skills alive. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Estonian National Museum, he is the author of the published book, “Vakad, karbids, sõelad” (Containers, Boxes, Sieves. Making Bent-wood Items).

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