Vannkasser

Vannkasser, often translated as water boxes or water chests, are traditional agricultural tools used for transporting water, particularly in rural areas of Norway and other Nordic countries. These containers were essential for tasks such as watering livestock, irrigating small fields, or carrying water for domestic use when a well or stream was not conveniently located. Historically, vannkasser were typically constructed from wood, often with a rectangular or slightly trapezoidal shape. They featured a reinforced frame and sometimes iron bands to enhance durability.

The design of a vannkasse varied regionally, but common features included sturdy handles for carrying, often two on opposite sides to allow two people to lift and transport the box. The interior was usually sealed or treated to prevent leakage. In some instances, the wooden planks were carefully fitted together and caulked with tar or other natural materials. The capacity of these water boxes could range significantly depending on their intended purpose and the strength of the user. While modern plumbing and water transport systems have largely replaced them, vannkasser remain a significant artifact of agricultural history, reflecting a time when manual labor and ingenuity were paramount for everyday survival and work. They are sometimes preserved in museums or kept as historical curiosities.