Hammastetut

Hammastetut are a type of traditional Finnish wooden seabed fish traps. They are typically composed of wooden frames, often jointed together, and are used to encircle schools of fish in shallow waters. The use of hammastetut dates back to the medieval period, with evidence suggesting their employment by Finnish fishermen as early as the 16th century.

The method of constructing hammastetut typically involves the utilization of birch or spruce branches. The wooden frames are shaped to resemble a vessel, with two entry points on opposite sides of the trap. When in use, a school of fish swims into the trap through one of the entry points, only to be unable to escape back out through the other due to the physical barrier formed by the wooden enclosure.

In recent years, the use of hammastetut has significantly declined in modern Finnish fishing practices. This shift has been attributed to the increased availability of more sophisticated and effective fishing gear. Despite this, hammastetut remain an integral part of Finnish cultural heritage and are still observed in some historical maritime settings. Research into the construction and operational methods employed in the construction of these wooden traps is considered an important part of marine historical preservation efforts.

Historical accounts and folkloric reports indicate that the hammastetut fishing practice was not merely an expedition for food but also carried with it certain regional traditions and social dynamics. They constituted regional drama elements creating social scenes, sharing stories, storytelling, or invitations for offering supper and payment for those participating in these traditions.