Jige

A jige () is a traditional Korean farming tool used by farmers to carry large quantities of heavy materials. The tool is used in agricultural communities to facilitate the transportation of large quantities of materials such as compost, grain, wood, and grass. Its design varies depending on the region. A "jige" is easy to make and has been used extensively due to the mountainous terrain of Korea.
History.
The word "jige" was first used by Jeong Cheol (1536–1593) during the Joseon Dynasty and is mentioned in books from the late 17th to the middle 19th century. In 1905, according to the Korea Land and Agriculture Research Report, "jige" are also called "jigi" and .
Part.
The "jige" is made of the following parts:
Dialect of part.
The parts of a "jige" are named differently according to the regional dialects of Korea.
Principle and effect.
The triangular shape of the "jige" from its legs and pole create a stable device to carry objects. By using a "jige"'s pole, a person can also reduce the weight of the center of gravity that supports them in a two-machine frame and decrease the magnitude of the force exerted on their legs when standing up. The and act like washers to distribute the load's weight evenly. The legs are loosely attached to easily adjust the device according to the carrier's height. If the load becomes heavier, it must be balanced well on the "jige" and the carrier must walk at a steady rhythm; otherwise, the load cannot be carried.
The principle of the lever applies to the "jige:" the shoulders and the back of the "jige" act as a fulcrum so that the force is moved with small force.
Classification.
"Je-gaji jige".
The "je-gaji jige" () is named after the "gaji". It needs two pieces of wood that have similar angles, thickness, and location to act as "gaji". The length of the "jige" is usually adjusted to the height of the person who uses it. "Je-gaji jige" used in plains are longer than those used on mountains, as mountain paths tend to be narrow with a higher risk of the carrier falling down. The narrow upper part of the "jige" is usually trapezoidal, but some parts of the jige are carved by attaching the top of both sides. The "jige"'s body is made of pine wood. "Saejang" is made of hard wood, such as a birch or chestnut tree. The shape of "deungtae" varies by region, and in the mountains and some parts of Gangwon Province, the bottom part of the "saejang" is widely cut without the "deungtae". It is common for the "jige" to form a trapezoidal shape with its narrow and wide upper parts.
"Jjok jige".
The () is divided into two types of wood. The carriers try to cut down to get as much weight as possible, and as a result, the length long enough so that they can rest without sitting down on the road.
The "jige jakdaegi" differs from the standard "jige" in two ways: the iron stick is (known as the "chok jakdaegi") is inserted at the end of the jakdaegi to prevent the carrier from sliding on icy roads and intimidate animals, and the notch in the middle of the top supports the "jakdaegi" on the "jige" when a person stands and rests.
"Jjok jige" in North Jeolla Province is made from cowhide, oak, and acacia trees. It is constructed by cutting down trees and twisting them between the body and "gaji".
"Geo jige".
The "geo jige" () is a very short "jige" with two or three "saejang". The "gaji" are almost perpendicular to each other, and there is also a horizontal piece of wood to prevent the load from falling. It is usually used on the back of a cow.
"Ba jige".
The "ba jige" () was used by carriers who traveled inland from the coast of some parts of northern and southern Gyeongsang Province through the mountains. It is usually made from paddock wood. "Ba jige" does not have "gaji".
The "ba jige" is set up as two long sticks in the shape of an A and placed horizontally in the middle to make the first "saejang". Two sticks are connected between the left and right ends to form a triangle. At the base of this triangle, the stick is placed above the apex and replaced with a second "saejang". There are no "deungtae".
"Mul jige" and "georeum jige".
The "mul jige" () and "georeum jige" (or "ddong jige") are the same device used to carry buckets; it is called the "mul jige" when carrying buckets of water and "georeum jige" when carrying fertiliser. Its back uses a wide range of wood. A pole rests horizontally on the carrier's shoulder to carry the buckets on both ends, and is designed to prevent the contents from splashing onto their clothes.
Other countries.
China.
The Chinese variant is called the "bei-jia", and is used in the northern mountains of Hubei and Shanxi, China. The difference between China's and Korea's is the presence of a "gaji".
Taiwan.
Taiwan's version is fixed by hanging four "saejang" between two round pieces of wood. The second "saejang" is tied to both sides and the rope is horizontally tied to the forehead. This method has been used in Taiwan, Nepal, northern Thailand, and southern Japan.
Thailand.
Minorities in northwestern Thailand also use a "jige"-like tool. It uses three "saejang" stacked between two long open pieces of wood. The second and third saejang serves as the back of the device and is fitted with two boards.
North America.
Among the natives of North America, the Pima people and Papago tribe used tools called , which consists of a conical bowl, a cactus stick, "deungtae", a forehead string, and sticks.
Japan.
In Japan, there is a transportation tool called "kago", which is a bamboo basket used to carry people, especially in mountainous regions. It involved a small litter that can hold one individual and is suspended by a pole. It is typically carried by over two men's shoulders. The bamboo basket used in the "kago" varies and can be used as backpacks or carrying vessels for other objects. The variations depend on the type of weave, like the hip-basket, which has an open weave to allow water drainage or a tight weave to keep loose seeds when transporting grains.