Oxcart

An oxcart is a simple vehicle used for transporting cargo or people, drawn by a team of oxen. Oxen are castrated bulls trained to pull, valued for their steady, strong traction and ability to work on rough or muddy ground. The cart itself is typically wooden, with an axle-supported bed or platform and wheels. A neck yoke or shoulder yoke and traces connect the oxen to the cart, allowing coordinated pulling. Two-wheeled carts are lighter and more maneuverable, while four-wheeled wagons can carry heavier loads but require more space to turn.

Common uses include moving agricultural produce, timber, water, firewood, or people over short distances. In farming contexts, an oxcart complements other farming tools by enabling field-to-household transport and local trade. The equipment is operated by a driver who guides the team with reins and commands, and the animals are kept in good condition through regular feeding, rest, and hooves care.

Historically, oxcarts appear in many regions, including ancient and medieval societies in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. They were among the earliest forms of mechanized transport and remained common in rural areas where motorized vehicles were unavailable or impractical. In many parts of the world, the use of oxcarts declined with the spread of tractors and trucks, but they continue to be used in some regions for day-to-day transport, small-scale farming, or as part of traditional practices and cultural heritage.