The presence in the vicinity of Polotsk of a large number of dense forests contributed to the development of one of the most common types of Belarusian crafts in this region - wood processing. Work tools, household goods and vehicles were made from it. Craftsmen worked with conifers such as spruce and pine of deciduous species gave preference to oak and birch. Wood processing was carried out in two steps. First, the wood was carved, then when it dried out, which took 2-3 months, they began to work on the products, using axes, hand tools, chisels, scrape, knives, drills, saws, chisels. In the 11-13 centuries woodworkers had specializations: carpenters, coopers, wood carvers, turners. It is known that the masters of the turning case in the 13th century more than 25 types of sharpened dishes were made - cups, bowls, plates, mugs, ladles, boxes, etc. In the Museum of Local Lore you can see unusual woodwork made in the 12-13 centuries by polotsk masters. One of the objects is a toy boat with which a child may have played almost 900 years ago. The second item is a small toy idol of the 11th century, representing some kind of creature. The fragment of an unknown wooden product from the 13th century, as well as carved tableware, impresses with its rich floral ornamentation.
