hewers

A hewer is a person whose occupation involves cutting or shaping materials, typically wood or stone, using tools such as axes, adzes, or chisels. Historically, hewers played a crucial role in various industries. In logging, hewers were responsible for felling trees and then shaping the logs into usable timber, often for construction or shipbuilding. This process involved removing the rounded edges of a log to create a more regular, squared shape, which made them easier to transport and build with.

In stonemasonry, hewers were skilled laborers who worked with quarried stone. They would use hammers and chisels to shape and dress the stone, preparing it for use in buildings, monuments, or other structures. This was a physically demanding job requiring precision and strength to achieve the desired forms. The term "hewer" emphasizes the act of striking and cutting, differentiating their work from tasks like sawing or drilling. While the term is less common in modern industry due to mechanization, the legacy of hewers is evident in the foundational structures of many historical buildings and the enduring tradition of craftsmanship in woodworking and stonework. The skills of a hewer required a deep understanding of the material they worked with and proficiency in using hand tools.