silloittajana

A silloittajana is a Finnish term that translates to "sill keeper" or "sill attendant." Historically, this role was associated with the maintenance and operation of bridges, particularly those that were drawbridges or had some mechanism for allowing passage of boats. In communities where waterways were significant for transportation, a silloittajana was responsible for ensuring the bridge was functional and safe for both road and water traffic.

The duties of a silloittajana could vary depending on the specific bridge and its design. This often involved operating the bridge mechanism, such as cranks or levers, to lift or swing parts of the bridge to permit boats to pass. They were also responsible for signaling to approaching vessels and vehicles to prevent accidents. In some cases, they might have also been involved in minor repairs or clearing debris from the bridge structure.

The role of the silloittajana has largely become obsolete with the advent of modern bridge technology, such as fixed spans and automated lifting mechanisms. However, the term may still be encountered in historical contexts or in certain rural areas where traditional bridge systems are maintained. The concept of a dedicated attendant for a critical piece of infrastructure highlights the importance of waterborne transport in historical Finnish society.