A fire-saw is a primitive tool to create fire. It is typically an object "sawed" against a piece of wood, using friction to create an ember. It is divided into two components: a "saw" and a "hearth" (or hearthboard).[1]

History edit

Two forms of the fire-saw have been documented in central and western Australia.[2] One model is a split, notched stick as a hearth, and a knife-like hardwood stick as the saw. The other model makes use of the woomera weapon and defensive shield that natives carried.

In the Philippines and Oceania, a fire-saw from bamboo pieces is common.[3][4]

Fire thong edit

 
A Kayan using rattan to "saw" a piece of firewood.

A fire thong is a form of fire-saw, where a pullstring (usually fiber) is used to saw.[5] It is common in Southeast Asia and Oceania.

See also edit

Notes edit

http://museum.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/A%20NOTE%20ON%20PLANTS%20USED%20BY%20THE%20KUKATJA%20TO%20MAKE%20FIRE.pdf

http://nehawkaprimitiveskills.blogspot.com/2009/06/bamboo-fire-saw.html

[[Category:Firelighting]] [[Category:Primitive technology]] {{tool-stub}}