Tools & tillage: a journal on the history of the implements of cultivation and other agricultural processes (6.1988/1991)

128

MICHAEL R. GOE


Tillage throughout most of the Ethiopian
highlands is carried out using the traditional
ard called a maresha, (fig. 1). The maresha is
discussed in the literature, not only in its role
in the “grain-plough” complex of the central
and northern Ethiopian highlands, but also in
the evolution of what is commonly termed
“cereal-plough agriculture” in northeast
Africa. Theories about the ard’s introduction

into Ethiopia and inconsistencies concerning
its classification, type and design have re-
cently been reviewed (Goe, 1990). This paper
provides information on construction of the
maresha and yoke, discusses factors influen-
cing design, operation and draught require-
ments of the ard and describes how the im-
plement is used for tillage and land manage-
ment.