| title: | Tar and lime production in Estonia during the prehistoric, medieval and modern times |
|---|---|
| reg no: | ETF6690 |
| project type: | Estonian Science Foundation research grant |
| subject: |
6.1. History (incl. Archeology) |
| status: | accepted |
| institution: | TU Faculty of Philosophy |
| head of project: | Andres Tvauri |
| duration: | 01.01.2006 - 31.12.2009 |
| description: | Interest regarding ancient and historical production activities, technology and technological processes has gained more significant momentum, within the science of archaeology, only during the 1960s-1970s. In Estonia, this subject matter (more specifically, iron production and processing, archaeological textiles) has so far been systematically dealt with only in the Institute of History, under the supervision of Jüri Peets. Yet, within the territory of Estonia, the industrially produced materials, exceeding the production and usage volumes of iron, are tar (including birch tar) and lime. Tar is probably the oldest synthetic material produced by a human being. Tar was widely used as a wood protection substance, glue, ointment, impregnating substance, medicine and for a number of other purposes, as early as since the Stone Age. There is no reason to think that tar was not produced and used in Estonia during the prehistoric times. Written sources evidence that at the end of the prehistoric times, Estonians had abundant ships capable of seafaring, therefore, the local need for tar had to be relatively large. Since there are good preconditions in Estonia for local tar making, it is likely that the locally utilised tar was produced in Estonia. Given the local circumstances, this had to be a field of activity with great relevance. Lime was introduced as a construction material in Estonia during the 13th century, as a result of the Danish-German conquers. Due to the fact that limestone, the raw material for lime, is found in North, West and Central Estonia, lime for construction purposes was produced locally. Considering the volume of building work, this had to be an extremely large-scale industry, leaving traces on the landscape, which are recognisable even today. I intend to primarily use the archaeological methods, however, a large share of relevant background information and source material has been collected by ethnographers. In addition, this subject matter makes it possible to include the methods and research results of geology (origin, occurrence and qualities of limestone) and chemistry (composition of products and production process). Partially, this subject matter was also selected for heritage conservation purposes. A number of ancient remnants, associated with early production activities, particularly with tar, lime and brick manufacturing, have remained unfound and not taken under heritage conservation in Estonia. The research commences with the study of written and graphic sources, aiming at finding out the most favourable regions in Estonia for the research of tar and lime production and at organisation of detailed landscape inspection on the spot. The next step is the archaeological excavation of the identified production facilities, in the course of which, the construction and production technology of tar and lime kilns will be determined. The investigated kilns will be dated one the basis of carbon and finds, collected during the excavations. Regarding the research objects, preference is given to as possibly old tar and lime kilns. In order to validate the outcome of excavations and the ethnographical material, an archaeological experiment will be organised for making tar and lime. This is aimed at checking in practice our knowledge of production technology and at determining the chemical and other qualities of the products made in such a manner. An international conference, “Archaeology of production facilities”, has been planned to be organised within the framework of the project, aiming at introducing the outcomes of the grant project and creating research-based contacts with other experts in industrial archaeology. There is an intention, once the conference is successful, to start organising this on a regular basis. The outcomes of the grant project would be the following: 1. An overview with regard to the spread of archaeological monuments associated with tar and lime production in Estonia. 2. Devising of the methodology for the identification of archaeological monuments related to the production of tar and lime, and the relevant research methodology. 3. Determination of the beginning of tar and lime production. Ascertaining the production volumes in certain regions (islands of West Estonia, vicinity of the Pedja River). 4. Finding out the ancient technology of tar and lime making. 5. Studying the possibility of ascertaining the origin of lime used in the lime mortar of historical buildings. 6. Due to the fact that landscape inspections, carried out within the framework of the project under observation, prevailingly take place in forested areas where archaeologists have so far not been systematically searching for antiquities, I am also hoping, as a result of the research project, to find antiquities, which are not well known at the present moment (e.g. trap holes, remnants of ancient fields and iron smelting sites). 7. Creation of interest in the Estonian archaeologists and historians (particularly of the younger generation) in the history of production and technology and, more widely, in economic history. The outcomes of the grant project are planned for publishing as articles in scientific journals and in a special collection of articles. |
| project group | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no | name | institution | position | |
| 1. | Andres Tvauri | Tartu Ülikool | ||