Wood was on the leading materials too used by humans along with stone, dog parts and mud. The development of the human relay in working with these materials is intrinsically related to the development of civilisation in general.
Among the earliest discoveries of wooden tools are the spears from Schoningen in Germany and the worked sticks from Kalambl Fall, Clacton on Sea in the United Territory.
The Egyptians and the Chinese were two of the most notable civilisations that used woodworking. We can peer woodworking depicted in many Egyptian murals; not only was it prominent in drawings but there has been a significant amount of ancient Egyptian furniture that has been preserved in tombs and catacombs. The coffins used to preserve mummies in these tombs were also made from wood. Commonly used wood working tools during these early periods were bow drills, pull saws, woodworking chisels and axes. In Egyptian history the Predynastic Period, approximately 3100 BC, is attributed with overseeing the creation of mortise and tenon joints; such joints would be strengthened using dowels, pegs with leather cord lashings. The principles of joinery have not changed much to do this day although it was only later during the New Kingdom period that glue was used. In those days glue was created by the lengthy and arduous process of boiling animal connective tissue; the proteins would then form a molecular bond with whatever the glued object was. The ancient Egyptians are also accredited with inventing the art of veneering. They also used varnishes for finishing although exactly how these varnishes were created is not exactly known.
There were many different types of wood that were used, the wood from native sycamore and tamarisk trees was extremely popular. Indeed the deforestation of these local trees in the Nile valley resulted in the necessity for importing wood, particularly cedar. Starting from the 2nd dynasty, boxwood, oak and Aleppo pine was also imported.
Traditionally woodworkers were renowned for using woods native to their region which makes sense when we consider the lack of transport and trade options at the time. Later more exotic woods became available to craftsmen.
