Woodworking in Tobol'sk at the end of XVI - XVII centuries (according to archaeological research)

Purpose. As woodworking and related crafts were of great importance in the life of Russian cities and forts in Western Siberia, especially in the early period of this territory joining Moscow State, the article examines woodworking in the city of Tobol'sk at the end of the XVI - XVII century. We analyzed archaeological data obtained in 2003-2008. Woodworking was one of the most popular activities among the Russian population in Western Siberia, but the literature lacks detailed information about it. Results. The archaeological findings presented in our article allow us to specify the material basis of one of productive industries among the inhabitants of Tobol'sk at the end of the XVI -XVII century. The town is surrounded by forests with pines, birches, aspens, spruces, fir trees and cedars. The population of Tobol'sk used wood for heating, lighting and as raw materials in production. To process wood, they used such tools as axes, drills, knives and adzes. These are the objects found during archeological excavations. These tools are of ancient origin, and they were widely used on the territory of Siberia in the XVII century by Russian settlers. It testifies that Tobol'sk was known for construction business and woodworking. The material culture of the Russian population in Siberia at the end of the XVI - XVII century is studied through the wooden architecture and construction work. Tobol'sk wooden constructions being of poor condition, it is possible to evaluate the construction business according to the finds of tools for woodworking and construction accessories. The latter are nails, ship brackets and door loops. Wood was also used to make vehicles, such as boats and skis. Another popular field was manufacturing equipment used for agriculture, hunting and fishing. According to archaeological findings, Tobol'sk masters processed birch bark and made footwear details, fishing equipment and tableware. Bark utensils could be decorated with embossed ornaments. During excavations in Tobol'sk we found stamps for carving ornaments on bark. Birch bark and wooden dishes, as well as other household items made of these materials, were widespread among the Russian population in Western Siberia in the XVII century. Tobol'sk was obviously a major craft center of the XVII century, where local production of wooden kitchen and dining utensils was very popular. Conclusion. The archaeological material found in Tobol'sk allows us to conclude that wood was used in the construction business, making vehicles, in crafts and for manufacturing household items. Woodworking in particular was largely related to the development of construction business and blacksmith's work. Tobols'k blacksmiths produced the main types of tools for woodworking (e.g., axes, saws, drills, adzes, etc.), but they could not produce nails in the required quantities. We conclude that development of woodworking craft had direct impact on the development of the main crafts in the city.