Tradition of splitting logs, split-rail fences ("Štankietai")

Splitting is one of the most archaic methods of woodworking, prevailing before the advent of saws. Formerly used in many settlements surrounded by pine forests, it has survived to this day in the villages of the Southern (Šiliniai) Dzūkai. Here, planks, roofing, split-rail fences and other woodwork are made by splitting and ripping log.

By splitting the wood tears along the grain and makes it resistant to weathering, so that the products made in this way are sturdy and long-lasting. They are of distinctive texture and irregular shape, which blends harmoniously into the natural environment of Dzūkija. This technology is used to build split-rail fences (štankietai), which contribute to the cultural identity of the region. Light and strong baskets (kašelės) woven from strips obtained by splitting the log are an indispensable tool for mushroom and berry picking in the Region of Southern Dzūkija.

The Musteika village craftsmen Antanas Zaliauskas and Romas Norkūnas have been transmiting of the tradition of wood splitting, basket weaving and making of split-rail fences to the members of the village community. This tradition is also carried on by craftsmen in the surrounding villages: Liudas Pugačiauskas in Marcinkonys, Algis Svirnelis in Zervynos, Jonas Svirnelis in Kapiniškiai. Since 1992, the Dzūkija National Park and the Čepkeliai State Nature Reserve Directorate have been documenting, recording and safeguarding knowledge about this craft and organising a traditional craft camp in Musteika village.

Submission by Musteika village community Musteikos pirkia, 2022

Tradition bearers – craftsmen and their apprentices from Musteika, Marcinkonys, Zervynos and other villages of Southern (Šiliniai) Dzūkai