Brooch with a Bird’s Claw, c. 1860-1870, Scottish

This 200-year-old bridge built without a single nail is a wooden bridge located near the village of Gulli (Juli) in the Tabasaran region of Dagestan, Russia. It is known primarily by its description rather than a formal historical name in English-language sources. The bridge is approximately 10 meters (about 33 feet) high.

The bridge was constructed by local Tabasaran people using traditional joinery techniques, relying on precisely cut, interlocking wooden joints and wooden pegs (sometimes called “trunnels” or dowels) instead of metal fasteners.

The builders used only local wood and stone that were available to them. A metal bracket visible on the bridge in some photos is a later addition and does not serve a functional or structural purpose.

The ingenious design allows the structure to flex and adapt to natural changes in temperature and humidity, which contributes to its incredible longevity. It has withstood harsh weather conditions for two centuries and can even support the weight of a passenger car today.

Bowl with Face, Mississippian, Missouri, United States,

11th–14th century,

Ceramic, H. 4 in. x diam. 6 3/8 in. (10.2 x 16.2 cm)