Pine tar

In the northern continent, pine tar has been used to preserve the longevity of life of any wood material used for the construction of houses or boats since the late First Age. The utility of tar was first discovered in the lakelands of south-central Tenwä, and its use quickly became a staple in boatmaking in the region.

Tar Burning

The process of creating tar actually begins years before the burning. Chosen pines are debarked up to several meters from the ground, excluding a section which allows the tree to continue transferring nutrients from roots to treetops. The tree will begin to secrete resin over the exposed area.

Approximately four years later, the tar-burning pit is dug in a sheltered spot and its bottom compacted as tightly as possible. The wood is chopped into small pieces, and laid into the pit so that they are pointing downwards at an angle towards the center of the pit. Stumps and roots may be added or left out, depending on local custom. From there the tar will exit through a channel. Moist moss, peat and soil is used to cover up the wooden pile to keep out as much air as possible. Finally, when the weather is dry enough, the tar pit is set alight.

The pit can burn for days, though the exact time depends on the size, and has to be kept an eye on at all times. In the dry weather, an uncontrolled fire may quickly spread throughout the surrounding landscape. Due to the risk and work involved it wasn't rare for a group of people to join to share the load, afterward sharing the bounty among themselves.

Purpose and Use

Tar was used mainly to treat wood to protect it from rot and wear, especially when used for construction of boats and buildings. Boats were also treated with tar to keep the wood sealed against water.

Various skin conditions, burns and superficial wounds were traditionally treated by sages and wisemen with tar, for both humans and animals alike. In some of the lakelands' clans it also became customary to spread some tar on the features of the dead, so evil cannot get to them on their journey to the land of the dead.

Pine Tar Coating

Source: trees, most commonly pine
Region: southern Tenwä
Application: coating