Coal Pits (Yama) in the Old Days #2 (Levels)
1958 - 1963

Mukashi no Yama #2 (Kanekata)
[Coal Pits (Yama) in the Old Days #2 (Levels)]
21.2 x 29.9 cm Ink Painting

Miners had ponies pull mine cars on tracks laid in gently inclined levels called katabans or kanekatas, which reached as long as 200 to 300 meters.
Ponies working at upper levels underground were returned to the surface every day while those working at lower levels were kept below for about a week. Therefore, ponies with swollen stomachs and dirtied bodies would neigh and jump for joy in the wind and sunlight, upon returning to the surface from the dark after a long time.
Most underground ponies that were selected were small and strong. They were used in small and middle-scale coal pits even in the beginning of the Showa era (1926-1989).


Translation Assisted by Mr. Nathan Johndro

<<Last pictorial record    Next pictorial record>>

<<Last 10 items  61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67｜68 | 69 | 70 |   Next 10 Items>>

67／585