Photo collection by Th.Schiöler Water-lifting by draught animals Details of the sâqiya Photo 125

Details of the sâqiya

A bottom bearing seen in Khartoum, the Sudan The footstep journal rotates in a piece of wood. After some time the soft wood wears out and the pivot must be pushed to a new "hole". No lubrication is used. Because of the friction ( wood against wood ) and the weight of the wheel, this bearing makes a screeching noise that can be heard at a long distance and tells the peasant whether the sâqiya is irrigating his field or not. During the season, it works day and night. [125]