Kõvendiga

Kõvendiga is a traditional Estonian folk craft and tool used for various tasks such as building, construction, and furniture making. The term "kõvendiga" can be translated to English as "hammer with a handle", but it refers to a specific type of tool that consists of a wooden handle attached to a metal hammerhead.

The design of kõvendiga dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe, where it was used by blacksmiths and carpenters. The tool was later adopted and refined by Estonian craftsmen, who developed their own unique style and techniques for making kõvendiga. The wooden handle of the kõvendiga is typically made from hardwood, such as ash or oak, and is attached to the metal hammerhead using a strong adhesive or rivets.

Kõvendiga was an essential tool in Estonian rural life, used for a wide range of tasks, from shaping and fitting wooden joints to driving stakes and fitting nails. The tool was also used in rituals and ceremonies, such as the Estonian folk tradition of "kõmendas", where a kõvendiga was used to drive in a stake into the ground to symbolize good luck and prosperity.

Today, kõvendiga is still used by some Estonian craftsmen and as a decorative piece in traditional Estonian folk museums and exhibitions. The tool has become an important part of Estonian cultural heritage, symbolizing the country's strong tradition of woodworking and folk craftsmanship.