Carrying yoke

A carrying yoke supports a person's load on the shoulders. Norwegian related names include vassåk, børtre, bæretre and vassele. Carrying water buckets was an important use, but the names also cover forms intended for other loads.

A common form consists of a wooden crosspiece with suspended hooks at its ends. A version resting across both shoulders often has a neck cutout. Other forms rest on one shoulder with a load in front and behind. These are human carrying devices, distinct from yokes and hames forming part of draught-animal harness.

For identification, examine the underside's shape, attachment holes and surviving hooks together. Missing suspension does not necessarily prevent identification, but replacement fittings should be recorded. Photograph wear and repairs. A carved date or name can contribute to provenance, yet should not alone establish where or when the complete device was made.

Sources: Store norske leksikon: åk, Audun Dybdahl; Bokmålsordboka: åk.