2016Ethnological Treasure - Old Agricultural Tools - First Day Cover

Ethnology, as a science that deals with researching cultures of specific nations, in its studies specifically deals with various forms of agricultural farms. Croatian Post Mostar traditionally issues postage stamps that are dedicated to ethnological treasure, and this year the theme is old agricultural tools, the scythe and sickle. The scythe through centuries has been the most important tool with which grass and crops (barley) were cut, and originated way back in the roman period. It consists of a scythe handle that is made from wood and a steel part – scythe. Haymaking was a physically difficult job that was done by men. Besides the scythe for haymaking, men must have had a water mug (vodir) – a long wooden mug with water that was attached around the waist, a burr for sharpening, greases, a specially made hammer (klepac) and a small anvil that was used for hammering, or hammering the edge of the scythe in order for it to be sharpened as well as possible. One of the most ancient and simplest hand tools is the sickle. Primitive forms of the sickle made of stone, bones and animal horns, men have used even since the Neolithic times. The sickle consists of a wooden handle and semicircle blade with which grass and crops were cut (wheat, rye, winter wheat). Harvesting was carried out in a way that with one hand the crops were gathered, and with the other hand they were cut. This labor was done by women, while men tied up bundles that, after all the grain was extracted from them, served for covering homes.