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The set shows the three types of bell traditionally used for livestock. The large cowbell with a wooden hoop collar was placed on the leading animal during transhumance. It has been embossed with the pattern of dots from the inside out. The wooden collar bears geometric patterns and schematic human figures. The decorations were added with a red-hot branding iron, often by the farmers themselves. Small campanilla and cascabel-type bells on leather collars were used for horses, pack mules and donkeys. Their purpose was not to locate missing animals but to announce their presence and to some extent to mark the pace. They reflect the tastes and economic power of their owners.

Brass or bronze bells were not normally made by rural craftsmen. The decorations on the leather collars are more elaborate, and would have been made by harness-makers. However, for grazing and driving, the cruciform motifs and other symbols suggest they were meant to have protective properties.

Bibliography:

Garmendia Larrañaga, Juan. Yoarea = El “yoare”. In: Euskal esku-langintza = Artesanía vasca. Donostia = San Sebastián : Auñamendi, 1970. III, 38-49

Leizaola, Fermín de. Uztai egillea. Anuario de Eusko Folklore. XXII, 1967-1968, 207-211.

Leizaola, Fermín de. Burdina: Burdingintza eta forjaketa tradizionala : [Gipuzkoako Foru Aldundiaren Kultur Departamentuak Antolatutako Erakusketa] = Hierro : Ferrería y Forja Tradicional : [exposición...]. [San Sebastián]: Diputación Foral de Guipúzcoa, Departamento de Cultura, Educación, Deportes y Turismo. 1989. 48-49

http://www.euskomedia.org/PDFAnlt/jgl/02001375.pdf

Details

  • Title: Cowbells
  • Creator: Anonymous
  • Date: XX century
  • Type: Cattle (Tool)
  • Medium: Metal, Wood, Leather

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