Puutekraavõtmeid

Puutekraavõtmeid refers to a specific type of agricultural tool used in Estonian farming. The term can be translated roughly as "wood-digging plows" or "root plows." These implements were historically employed to clear land of stubborn roots, rocks, and other debris that hindered cultivation. They were particularly useful in areas with dense forest cover or rocky terrain, common in many parts of Estonia.

The construction of puutekraavõtmeid typically involved a strong, often heavy, wooden frame designed to withstand significant force. Attached to this frame was a sharp metal blade, usually made of iron, which was responsible for cutting and dislodging the roots and rocks. The design varied, but generally, they were pulled by draft animals such as horses or oxen. The driver would guide the animal and the plow, using the blade to dig deep into the soil and break up obstacles.

The use of puutekraavõtmeid was labor-intensive and required considerable skill to operate effectively and safely. They played a crucial role in the historical process of land reclamation and agricultural development in Estonia, enabling the transformation of wild or overgrown land into arable fields. While modern machinery has largely replaced these traditional tools, puutekraavõtmeid remain a significant part of Estonian agricultural heritage, representing a bygone era of farming practices. They are sometimes preserved as historical artifacts in agricultural museums or private collections.