eräkirja

An eräkirja is a historical Finnish term referring to a ledger or account book used primarily for recording forest and wilderness-related transactions and activities. These books were essential for managing large forest areas, often owned by noble families, the crown, or institutions, and were particularly important during periods when forestry, logging, and hunting were significant economic drivers.

The contents of an eräkirja typically included details about timber harvests, sales of forest products, land leases, hunting rights, and any associated revenues or expenses. They served as a crucial tool for tracking the exploitation and management of natural resources. Records might also extend to information about forest boundaries, land surveys, and even details about the individuals or groups involved in these activities.

Eräkirjat provide valuable historical insights into land ownership, resource management practices, and the economic history of Finland. They are primary source documents for researchers studying forestry, social history, and economic development in historical Finland. The term itself combines "erä," meaning wilderness or a tract of undeveloped land, with "kirja," meaning book.