Research on Historical Changes in Forest Resources and Their Uses Based on the Analysis of National Museum of Ethnology Collection: Focusing on the Wood Materials of Tubs and Barrels

Keywords

Scientific studies on cultural properties,Ethnobotany,Tree species identification

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to identify the species of wood in specimens of wood materials in the collection of the National Museum of Ethnology using nondestructive analysis and to use the results as the basis for a discussion of the historical events that occurred in the forests of the regions from which the wood originated.
The specimens in the collection of the National Museum of Ethnology include a diverse assortment of objects made of wood. However, very little information is available on the types (species) of trees used to make the objects. In this study, we focus on specimens of wood from the National Museum of Ethnology collection—mainly tubs and barrels collected from around the Japanese archipelago—to (1) carefully examine and analyze the specimen materials; (2) understand the historical background and current status of their production and use; and (3) examine forest ecology and optimal approaches to forest resource utilization. By correlating these approaches, I then try to develop a method for identifying tree species in specimen materials using nondestructive analysis, to grasp the features of processes that enable wood to be used as the perfect material for the needed function and application, and to get a broader view of the sustainability of the relationship between people and forests in a recycling-oriented society.

Research Results

In this research project, 20 inter-university project researchers consisting of researchers and professionals analyzed specimens, carried out literature searches, and conducted fieldwork leveraging their respective expertise and experiences, which resulted in the following outcomes.
The first objective of the project was to develop a method for identifying tree species via nondestructive analysis of specimen materials of wood. Although this was not achieved in the time allowed for the project, we were able to analyze the characteristics of wood tissue based on control samples of trees and demonstrate progress on creating a database, showing prospects for the possibility of developing said method. When careful examining tub and barrel specimen materials, we looked at the information on the specimen materials from multiple angles and engaged in discussion. We also worked on developing a method to carefully examine specimen materials using digital technology.
The second objective was to understand the historical background and current status of tub and barrel production and use. We gained a new lens for understanding from the duality of materials—namely, Japanese cedar and commercial tree species other than Japanese cedar. First, we used Yoshino cedar to shed light on the changes and current status of the entire process—from forestry in Kawakami, Nara, to distribution and sawing of raw lumber, manufacturing of barrel staves and vats, production of sake in vats, and production of soy sauce and funazushi (salted and fermented fish) in tubs made from recycled vats. We found that tree species other than Japanese cedar have been selected depending on the region (e.g., Japanese cypress, Sawara cypress, Japanese umbrella-pine, and Mizunara oak) and tubs and barrels have been produced for a wide range of purposes including fishing, processing of agricultural products, textile arts, events, and daily life.
The third objective was examining optimal approaches to forest resource utilization. Discussed themes included vegetation and changes in vegetation, afforestation and lumber production, and changes in lumber processing technology. We verified the knowledge and techniques of those involved from aspects such as efficiently cutting parts from raw lumber, creating goods of a wide variety of shapes and sizes by elaborately combining parts, and utilizing the goods continuously through repair and reuse.
We also discussed the materials and assembly of barrel hoops, value of manufacturing tools as cultural properties, manufacturing techniques and uses outside Japan, and problems related to passing on knowledge and techniques going forward. The project allowed us to take a bird’s eye view of the process connecting forest to wood product, and position tubs and barrels as a mechanism for fully utilizing forest resources and achieving sustainable communities.