Collection: Willard Dickerman Straight and Early U.S.-Korea Diplomatic Relations, Cornell University Library

Title: [Porter carrying clay pots strapped to A-frame on his back]

Date: ca. 1904

Place: Asia: South Korea

Type: Photographs

Description: This porter carries more than 12 various-sized clay pots, stacked safely in his A-frame. These jars, called a 'siru', were an important part of daily life. They were used to steam rice cakes. 'The jars are made in special kilns through a method of reduction: flames and air are mixed into a fierce heat. Pine twigs are used to keep the flames intense, and the kiln's smokestack and fuel-hole are closed to intensify the heat. The clay ware controls the humidity and helps purify the jars.' Source: Website www.lifeinkorea.com/Images/ tools/kimch508.jpg (viewed May 9, 2003) 'The human porter who was the most ubiquitous carrier of heavy loads, the A-frame on his back piled high with wood, vegetables, fish, seaweed, bamboo, paper, or pots and pans. It was said that a man could lift up to 250 lbs. with ease and 300 lbs. with assistance. With 100 lbs. on his back he could average thirty miles a day.' Source: Pratt, Keith. Old Seoul, 2002, p. 36.

Inscription/Marks: No inscription

Identifier: 1260.60.09.41.01

Persistent URI: hdl.handle.net/1813.001/5xn4

There are no known U.S. copyright restrictions on this image. The digital file is owned by the Cornell University Library which is making it freely available with the request that, when possible, the Library be credited as its source.