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Portugal, Madeira, Funchal, Monte - Carros de bois
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Portugal, Madeira, Funchal, Monte - Carros de bois
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 carros 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: 2013
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Media ID 14143382
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Hubertus Kanus
Antique Bois Carts Funchal Madeira Monte Portugal Portuguese Runners Sledge
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Glimpse into the Past: Traditional Transportation in Funchal, Madeira - Carros de Bois" 2. Description: This evocative postcard image transports us back in time to the charming capital city of Madeira, Funchal. The scene captures the unique and traditional means of transportation that once dominated the city's streets - the Carros de Bois, or wooden sledges. 3. Background: In the early days, the rugged terrain of Funchal, with its uneven cobbled roadways, steep hills, and sharp bends, made wheeled carriages and motorised vehicles impractical. Instead, the resourceful locals turned to more original forms of conveyance, such as these crude wooden carts, mounted on wooden runners and lubricated with grease. 4. History: The origins of the Carros de Bois can be traced back to the late 19th century, when a British Army Officer, in search of a means to transport his invalid wife around town, is said to have introduced this form of transportation to the island. Over time, the Carros de Bois became a beloved and integral part of Funchal's cultural heritage. 5. Experience: This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, painting a vivid picture of the sights, sounds, and sensations that would have greeted visitors to Funchal over a century ago. The oxen, their muscles rippling as they pull the sledge, the wooden runners gliding smoothly over the cobblestones, and the serene expression of the passenger all combine to create an image that is at once nostalgic and enchanting. 6. Conclusion: This postcard is a testament to the enduring appeal of tradition and the ingenuity of the human spirit. It serves as a reminder that, even in the face of modernity, there is value in preserving the past and celebrating the unique customs and practices that define our cultural heritage.
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