On the meaning of agrarian tools from a Czech perspective

0465883 - ARÚ 2017 RIV BE eng C - Konferenční příspěvek (zahraniční konf.)
Klápště, Jan
On the meaning of agrarian tools from a Czech perspective.
Agrarian technology in the medieval landscape. Turnhout: Brepols, 2016 - (Klápště, J.), s. 443-448. Ruralia, 10. ISBN 978-2-503-55137-1.
[Ruralia /10./. Smolenice (SK), 09.09.2013-15.09.2013]
Institucionální podpora: RVO:67985912
Klíčová slova: Middle Ages * agrarian tools * Czech Republic
Kód oboru RIV: AC - Archeologie, antropologie, etnologie

The discussion paper primarily deals with the archaeology of tillage tools. Finds from the 8th-9th centuries from the area of the Czech Republic demonstrate asymmetrical tillage with light tools, equipped with relatively large coulters. These light one-sided ploughs were essentially different from heavy mouldboard ploughs with much bigger iron parts, known from archaeological finds from around 1300. These tools were effective for the cultivation of heavy soils, but they placed high demands on pulling strength and on the method of harnessing. The second part of the text is devoted to spade cultivation. It infers from the context of archaeological finds that spades were intended mainly for work in gardens and vineyards. The third tool discussed is the scythe, used for haymaking throughout the Middle Ages. In the earlier Middle Ages in East-Central Europe, the short scythe has been proved; the long scythe is known from as late as the later Middle Ages. The article emphasises the importance of the broader context of agrarian technologies and associates the effective application of each of the agrarian tools with systemic demands of a certain techno-complex.
Trvalý link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0264366