Technological Background

Separating kernels of grain from chaff and stalks was originally a labour-intensive manual procedure, and careful attention was required if the maximum amount of grain was to be extracted from the raw materials. The process involved two steps: the kernels first had to be removed from the plant heads or husks, then cleaned of any remaining extraneous material. For grain to command top price when it was sold, it was imperative that it contain as little chaff and weed seeds as possible. The same principle held true for grain intended as the next year’s crop: fewer weed seeds meant a better yield.

Flail (660606)

Before the advent of mechanical separation equipment, farmers relied on humans — and in some instances, livestock — to provide the necessary labour. Once the crop had dried, individual bundles or sheaves were carried to a sheltered location, where they were spread out on a flat, clean surface in preparation for separation. Labourers would then strike the stalks of wheat with a flail (660606*), knocking the kernels out of the heads. The hooves of livestock treading on piles of grain also served to remove the kernels. Once the majority of the kernels and the outer husk, or chaff, had been separated from the stalks, the stalks were removed for another use, such as bedding for livestock. Separation — or, as it came to be called, thrashing or threshing — was a laborious, time-consuming process. It is estimated that, using a flail, one person could separate only seven bushels of grain per day.

The remaining material would then be put in a winnowing basket or tray (691130), or on a winnowing blanket. This was then thrown into the air, where currents of air carried the lighter chaff away, as the kernels of grain fell into the basket or onto the blanket. Eventually, a mechanical device called a fanning mill was introduced, replicating the action of the breeze. Uncleaned kernels were placed in one end of the mill’s enclosed rectangular box. This was equipped with a system of manually-operated blades or vanes, which created air currents to blow away the chaff.

Winnowing basket or tray (691130)		Fanning Mill manufactured by W. Young, Almonte

* The numbers in brackets are the accession numbers of artifacts held by the Museum.