Many of these tools carry the names of
their owners, somewhat poignant
connections to craftsmen long dead.
Few of the rural chairmakers of earlier
times marked their work in any way,
although a few chairs bear incised initials.
None seem to have thought it was
nescessary to set down any written
description of their craft. Perhaps they
lacked the ability to read or write. It seems
that whatever the skills and secrets
that were involved, they were passed on
in a practical and oral tradition.
The master gave instructions and the
apprentice strove to follow them, so there
was never a need for any kind of written
explanation.
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