breaking

Breaking was(is) a traditional processing technique used to separate the woody core from bast fibers after retting by water soaking or dew exposure had partially decomposed the binding substances within the plant stems. The process was carried out using two primary methods. In the simpler method, the stems were crushed on a hard surface using wooden tools such as clubs, beaters, or pestles. The most widespread and characteristic tool, however, was the breaking brake, a wooden mechanical device specifically designed for processing flax and hemp fibers.