Not only is this Dong man using the tools of his trade to turn this log into a wall in a house, but so much more is revealed in this photo: the trunk just behind the man only one step into the process, the house in the background made completely of wood, the sticks gathered for firewood.
I really do find wood amazing. God made it just perfect for so many uses: fuel for fire, shaping into tools and houses and toys, an conductor of water to produce fruit and nuts for eating, and leaves for beauty. Wood is good!
Unfortunately, wood also burns. Eight people were killed in Sanjiang last week in a fire. A fairly common occurence.
“With power comes responsibility.” I guess it is a wonderful thing that wood can burn so (until the modern era) we can cook food, have light, and such, but we have to care for that gift.
Eight people killed? Fires are very common in these all-wood villages, yes, but usually, it just destroys houses not people.
When asking a local about how a fire started in his village, he very condescendingly commented that those on the other side of the river (which saved his half of the village from the fire) are sloppy and irresponsible. It is so avoidable most of the time.
http://www.china.org.cn/english/China/233983.htm
Thanks for the link. Maping I do not recognize off the top of my head.
I think in honor of the woodwork which burns, the next few days I will put up a few more shots taken of woodworking in the Dong areas.