Pilvetööriistad

Pilvetööriistad are a type of medieval tool used by medieval stonecutters and masons. The name "pilvetööriistad" is derived from the Estonian words "pilv" meaning cloud and "tööriistad" meaning tool, possibly referring to the devices' resemblance to a cloud or a aerophone.

Pilvetööriistad were primarily used in the 13th to 14th centuries in Northern Europe, particularly in present-day Estonia and Latvia. These tools were made from metals such as copper, bronze, and iron, and were crafted to have a sharp, pointed shape with a long handle. The tool's purpose was to split and trim stones, primarily granite and limestone, used in the construction of medieval castles, churches, and other stone buildings.

The pilvetööriistad were likely used in a similar manner to geodetic hammers, with the user striking the stone along a carefully marked line to create a controlled fracture. This technique would have allowed for smoother, more precise cutting of stones, making the construction process more efficient and accurate. The pilvetööriistad's design and construction also suggest that they may have been used for shaping and carving stones in addition to splitting and trimming.

The use of pilvetööriistad has been documented in archaeological excavations and historical records, providing valuable insights into the lives and work practices of medieval stonecutters and masons. The rediscovery and studying of these tools has allowed historians and archaeologists to better understand the techniques and materials used in medieval construction and architecture.