Birch bark tar was used by ancient peoples to waterproof fishing nets. [2] The tar was applied to the nets to make them more resistant to water, providing greater durability and preventing damage caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. This technique allowed the nets to last longer and be more effective for fishing.
The glue is made by distilling birch bark to produce tar, which is then used to fix weapons or the heads of a tool onto the handle. [3] Birch bark glue is a natural and sustainable adhesive that can be used for a variety of projects. It is strong, water-resistant, and non-toxic. [4]
The use of birch bark tar has been documented among Neanderthals for various purposes, such as hafting tools, creating adhesives, or waterproofing containers. However, there is no archaeological evidence to suggest that they used it specifically for making fishing nets.
We do know that the Inuit people, who are indigenous to the Arctic regions of North America, used birch bark tar to make ancient waterproof fishing nets. Birch bark tar is a natural adhesive substance that can be obtained by heating birch bark in the absence of oxygen. The Inuit applied this tar to their fishing nets to make them waterproof and more durable, allowing them to be more effective in catching fish in cold, icy waters.
How do make birch bark tar
To make birch bark tar, follow these steps:
1. Collect birch bark: Look for mature birch trees in your area and collect pieces of birch bark from fallen branches or trunks. Make sure to collect enough bark to yield a sufficient amount of tar.
2. Prepare a container: Find a metal container that can withstand high heat, such as a tin can or a small metal pot. Clean the container thoroughly to remove any dirt or contaminants.
3. Cut the birch bark into small pieces: Use a knife or scissors to cut the collected birch bark into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the easier it will be to extract the tar.
4. Fill the container with birch bark pieces: Fill the prepared container with the cut birch bark pieces, ensuring it is tightly packed.
5. Create a seal: Use a metal lid or aluminum foil to tightly seal the container. This will prevent any air from entering or escaping during the cooking process.
6. Make a fire: Set up a fire outdoors in a safe and controlled environment. It is recommended to use a fire pit or a designated cooking area.
7. Place the container on the fire: Carefully place the sealed metal container on the fire, ensuring it is stable and won’t tip over. Make sure to use heat-resistant mitts or gloves while handling the container.
8. Heat the container: Allow the container to heat up gradually. The high heat will cause the birch bark to release oils and convert into tar.
9. Monitor and adjust heat: Adjust the heat intensity of the fire to ensure a steady and controlled temperature. Too much heat can result in scorching or burning, while too little heat may not generate enough heat to extract the tar.
10. Collect the tar: After a few hours of heating, remove the container from the fire using heat-resistant gloves. Be cautious as the container and its contents will be very hot. Carefully open the lid or foil to reveal the birch bark tar inside.
11. Strain and store: Pour the hot tar through a fine-mesh sieve or a cloth to strain out any impurities or remaining pieces of bark. Let the tar cool down before transferring it to a suitable container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Remember to take necessary safety precautions while handling fire and hot materials. Additionally, check and comply with any local regulations or laws regarding the collection and usage of birch bark.
Ancient Method to make Birch Bark Tar
One ancient method to make birch bark tar is called the “pit method.” Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create birch bark tar using this ancient technique:
1. Find a suitable pit: Start by digging a small pit in the ground – about one foot in diameter and half a foot deep. This pit will act as your fire pit for the next steps.
2. Collect birch bark: Look for mature birch trees with thick outer bark. Carefully peel off the outer bark in large pieces. Make sure not to damage the inner bark layer, as it is necessary for tar production.
3. Prepare the fire: Place a small firewood or kindling in the pit, leaving enough space for air circulation. Start a fire and let it burn until you have a bed of hot coals.
4. Create a birch bark cylinder: Take a piece of birch bark and roll it into a cylinder shape. The cylinder should be of a diameter that can fit comfortably inside the pit without touching the edges.
5. Place the cylinder in the pit: Carefully place the birch bark cylinder on the bed of hot coals inside the pit. Ensure that the cylinder is standing vertically, with the open end facing upwards.
6. Cover the pit: Cover the entire pit, including the cylinder, with additional flat pieces of birch bark. This will create a sealed environment that allows the tar to be produced and collected.
7. Allow the cylinder to cook: The fire will heat the cylinder, causing the birch bark to slowly cook and release tar as vapor. The tar will then condense on the cold upper surface of the birch bark cylinder and drip into the bottom.
8. Cool and collect the tar: Allow the cylinder to cool for a few hours. Carefully remove it from the pit and peel off the birch bark layers to reveal the hardened tar inside. Collect the tar for storage or further use.
Note: It is essential to exercise caution and follow safety rules while working with fire and hot materials. Also, ensure that you have the necessary legal permissions, as some areas may require a permit for collecting or processing natural resources.
Citations:
[1] https://exarc.net/issue-2015-4/at/experiments-possible-stone-age-glue-types
[2] https://www.vintageisthenewold.com/game-pedia/what-did-cavemen-use-as-glue
[3] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-08106-7
[4] https://permies.com/t/219126/Strong-Glue-Birch-Bark
[5] https://flyfishingnets.net/blogs/shop-talk-blog/thoughts-on-glues-and-gluing
