This kokora from the late 19th century is a workpiece for a distaff made using the butt end of a tree. It originated in the Tamitsy village in the Onega Uyezd, Arkhangelsk Governorate. The kokora was the strongest part of the tree. It was taken from the place where the thick root transitioned to the lower trunk (komel). Because of the strength of such wood, the Pomors used it in manufacturing, often for making distaffs.

Most likely, not only the strength mattered. The Pomors may have also attributed it to having some mystical properties. The kokora was considered the place of power in the tree and was endowed with sacred meaning. According to Pomor beliefs, a distaff made of kokora had protective properties and served as a talisman for its owner.

Kokora was widely used in the construction of ships. It was used to make stem and sternposts, as well as transverse ribs. The technique of building the fishing vessel, known as a karbass, differed depending on a particular craftsman.

In the Kolezhemsky karbass, the bow kokora was connected to the keel board in a straight line, and the stern was straight and square. The Nyukhotsky karbass was constructed differently: the bow and stern were carved from trees with a natural bend and connected at an obtuse angle. As a result, the bow of the karbass towered above the stern which was sharp. The bow kokora of the karbass looked backward and was not perfectly vertical. Thanks to this design, the Nyukhotsky karbass could easily approach rocky shoals and overcome rapids more easily.

Kokoras were also used to make rudders and other parts of vessels. A flat, curved rudder was cut out of a wide butt end of a tree with a thick root, which was known as a sopets among the Pomors. This shape prevented ships from hitting the bottom in shallow water.

Almost everywhere where strong joints were needed, resistance to compression or bending in wooden structures was required, the Pomors used kokoras. Such blanks were prepared for the construction of houses, as well as for making Pomor reindeer sleds and furniture. It is not surprising that kokora was seen as a talisman or source of power given by the earth.