Illustration from 'Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Vol XII, Part I' (1876-77)
This illustration shows a replica of a one-stilted plough from Shetland. The one-stilted plough is said to be the ancient plough of Rome and Egypt. The plough was pulled by a team of oxen, while the farmer guided it using the stilt. The stilt of the plough was the shaft which was used to control the direction and depth of the furrow.
Click to enlarge the image, read the text then answer the following questions.
Questions
- How far back in time does 'the one-stilted plough' go?
- Describe how ploughing was done using the 'the one-stilted plough'?
- What was the purpose of the two wooden boards at the back of the plough?