Résumé
Wood has always accompanied humankind, and its selection is based on a complex combination of physical-mechanical, aesthetical, environmental and historical-cultural parameters. Artisanal uses of wood involve deep technical and cultural knowledge based on the relation of humans with woods and concern a high degree of biodiversity. However, although crafts recently attract increasing interest in society and in research, there are still relatively few links made with wood material science. This talk will introduce some possible methodologies to bridge craftsmanship knowledge and wood physics, starting by case studies on wood utilizations in artisanal making of various musical instruments, then broadening to diverse woodcrafts. We will talk about the utility of constructing specific databases in order to connect biological, physical and cultural diversity, and how this can highlight some types of wood with very atypical properties. We wish to propose some thoughts on two aspects that are central in woodcrafts: time and temporalities, and functionality and aesthetics. To conclude we wish to stress out the importance of preserving both the biodiversity of woods and the cultural diversity of crafts for the future.