RUGA - Gleann Abhann

The Shaving Horse: Function, History, and Use - PRA06A02

(Created by Hrothgar Fiscabana)

Level of Content: Beginning

Estimated Length of Class: 1 - 2 hours, depending on number of students participating, supplemental information, and hands-on demonstration.

Course Description: This class will discuss the purpose of the shaving horse, documentation from medieval depictions, design variations, and methods of use. The class will also provide students with an opportunity to employ the shaving horse and associated tools to get a first-hand feel of green woodworking.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this class, students should be able to:

1. Understand what a shaving horse is and how it is used;

2. Have familiarity with some documentation for shaving horse use in the Middle Ages;

3. Recognize variations in shaving horse form and function;

4.Understand firsthand the basics of green woodworking.

Suggested Teaching Resources:

Abbott, M. 1989. Green Woodwork: Working with Wood the Natural Way. Guild of Master Craftsman Publications, Lewes, East Sussex. 207 pp.

Goodman, W. L. 1964. The history of woodworking tools. G. Bell and Sons, Ltd., London. 208 pp.

Halstead, G. R. 2003. The Compleat Anachronist #121: European woodworking tools 600-1600 C. E.. The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., Milpitas, California. 48 pp.

Langsner, D. 1978. Country Woodcraft. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania. 304 pp.

Underhill, R. 1981. The woodwright’s shop. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. 202 pp.

Underhill, R. 1986. The woodwright’s workbook. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. 248 pp.

Ulrich, R. B. 2007. Roman woodworking. Yale University Press, New Haven, Connecticut. 376 pp.

Syllabus kindly created for RUGA by Hrothgar Fiscabana, September 2008.