Latvian Birch Bark Container (large)

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Traditional pinned birch bark basket from the handling collection at Āraiši Ezerpils Archaeological Parks. The collection contains reconstructions of excavated objects from the lake settlement site at Āraiši.

Birch bark was often used in the Viking-age Baltic for its antiseptic and water resistant properties. Containers were typically made from single sheets of bark, carefully harvested and folded into shape. They were often secured by stitching with materials like lime tree bast or spruce roots. Small wooden pegs or thorns were sometimes used as “nails” to fasten parts together.