Rice Cutter (Zhāi hé dāo)
ClassificationsTools and Equipment-farming equipment
Culture
Yao
Date20th Century
Made AtGuangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, Asia
MediumWater buffalo horn and metal
Dimensions14 1/4 × 4 5/8 × 3 in. (36.2 × 11.7 × 7.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2019.23.53a,b
DescriptionThis is a Yao hand tool used for harvesting rice. The interior part of the crescent-shaped metal attachment has an iron blade. Harvesting is usually done by Yao women who hold the tool just below the metal attachment with the long curved wooden end facing toward their body. They grasp the plant with their other hand, allowing the tool more precise control of the cutting. Yao culture thrives on rice production as their primary food source but also as a primary trade commodity. Most Yao groups are settled along hills and mountains with impressive terraced rice fields.On View
Not on view
