Signals to Request Lowering of Mine Cars in the Time When No Electric Bells Were Used
1958 - 1963

Beru no Nai Jidai no Sumibako Sashikomi Shingo
[Signals to Request Lowering of Mine Cars in the Time When No Electric Bells Were Used]
21.2 x 30.3 cm Ink Painting

Text at the Right Side
In the Meiji era (1868-1912) when no electric bells were used in the coal pit (yama), the underground transport man sent signals to the winch operator on the surface by strongly pulling a wire rope (connected to a hammer to hit the sound plate). (Hitting one time meant "Stop!" or "O-rai!" in pit dialect) (Hitting two times meant "Rise!") (Hitting three times meant "Down!")

Words above the Hammer
Kattan! Kotton! : Onomatopoeias representing hammering sounds; Clang! Knock!

Text at the Left Side
The transport man at each level (kataban saodori) sent the signal to winch down subsequent mine cars. The frequency of hits on the sound plate to identify each level was specified. The hammer would not move if he did not fully use his weight.


Translation Assisted by Mr. Nathan Johndro

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