1910

Yoke for Harnessing Oxen

Klosters, 1692

Agriculture has remained an important source of income in Graubünden. Thus the Museum’s collection includes many farming tools.

The draft animals used for fieldwork or for transports were mostly oxen or cows. With the yoke placed over the necks of the animals and a harness with leather straps, the animal was hitched to a plow, cart or sled. Elaborate decorations such as the chip-carved rosettes on this yoke are rather rare. They are testimony to the value placed on this piece of farming equipment. It was not until the post-war era that tractors gradually replaced the traditional teams of draft animals.