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Madeira, Funchal - Oxen carriage
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Madeira, Funchal - Oxen carriage
Traditionally, the means of travel in Funchal, the capital city of Madeira, did not include wheeled carriages. The uneven cobbled roadways, steep hills and sharp bends, meant that horse drawn carriages and, later, motorised vehicles were regarded as unsuitable. Rather, the locals opted for various other, more original, forms of conveyance. Crude wooden carts, mounted on wooden runners, lubricated with grease and pulled at a sedate pace by oxen were a favourite, as depicted on this postcard. These carro de bois were said to have been introduced to the island by a British Army Officer who required a means of conveying his invalid wife about town. Date: circa 1920s
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Media ID 32254050
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Bois Bullock Canopy Carro Drapes Funchal Greased Madeira Oxen Portugal Portuguese Runners Slow
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Step back in time with this image of Madeira's traditional oxen-drawn carriage in the charming city of Funchal. Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, has a rich history that dates back to the 15th century, and this postcard transports us to a bygone era. In the early 1900s, the hilly terrain and uneven cobblestone roads of Funchal made wheeled carriages and motorized vehicles impractical. Instead, the locals embraced unique and resilient forms of transportation, such as the carro de bois or 'ox cart.' These crude wooden carts, mounted on wooden runners and lubricated with grease, were pulled at a leisurely pace by a team of oxen. The origins of the carro de bois are said to trace back to a British Army Officer who required a means of transporting his invalid wife around town. The oxen-drawn carriages soon became a popular mode of transportation for the residents of Funchal, offering a more comfortable and stable ride than the steep and winding roads would allow. This photograph, taken in the 1920s, showcases the traditional oxen-drawn carriage in all its glory. The oxen, draped with canopies and adorned with decorative drapes, proudly pull the carriage along the cobblestone streets. The slow and steady pace of the oxen, combined with the gentle clatter of the wooden runners, evokes a sense of tranquility and nostalgia. The carro de bois is a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the people of Madeira, who adapted to their environment and created a unique and enduring form of transportation. Today, the oxen-drawn carriages continue to be a popular attraction for tourists visiting Funchal, offering a glimpse into the island's rich history and cultural heritage.
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