Lihvitud

Lihvitud is a unique traditional skill practiced by the Estonian people, particularly in the country's rural areas. The term "lihvitud" roughly translates to "to rowl or to weave" in English. It refers to the process of twisting thin, flexible strips of bast fiber, wood (such as willow or hazel), or other plant material into a rope-like texture.

This traditional craftsmanship has been passed down through generations in Estonia, where the skillful technique has been used for centuries to create various items, including ropes, baskets, and canes. Practitioners use bats, willow branches, or other sorts of plant material and perform a series of manipulations to create the sturdy yet flexible cordage.

Lihvitud has been recognized for its utility and value in rural Estonia. Typically, baskets and other items made from this material were used for tasks such as carrying, fishing, or in other labor-intensive activities within the household or garden. In some regions, it was a tool used by fishermen, who would use the durable but lightweight lassos to snag fish from the water's surface.

Influenced by Estonia's cultural tradition and artisanship, lihvitud is still appreciated today, both as a practical skill and a testament to ancient times' craftsmanship. Practitioners preserve this way of weaving using wood or plant fiber. They consider the way of weaving wood strips an important example of art connected to nature and craftsmanship which similar efforts across the world with wood as a prominent materials.