isäntäkehosta

Isäntäkehosta, also known as the peasant's yoke or yoke of the master, is a term originating from historical Finnish society. It refers to the traditional obligation of a crofter or tenant farmer to provide labor and services to the landowner, often in exchange for the right to cultivate a small plot of land. This system was a common feature of rural life in Finland for centuries, particularly during the Swedish and Russian rule.

The specific duties encompassed by isäntäkehosta varied depending on the region and the agreement between the landowner and the crofter. Typically, it involved a certain number of days of work on the landowner's farm per year. This labor could include plowing, harvesting, building, or other tasks deemed necessary by the landowner. In addition to labor, crofters might also be required to pay rent in kind, such as a portion of their harvest, or in money.

The isäntäkehosta system contributed to the social and economic structure of historical Finland, influencing the lives of a significant portion of the rural population. While it provided a means of subsistence for many, it also represented a form of dependency and obligation that could be burdensome. The system gradually declined with the advent of agricultural reforms and changes in land ownership patterns, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Finland moved towards a more modern agrarian economy and eventually gained independence.