What is a yoke?

A yoke is a device that is used to join together two objects or animals so that they can work together as a team. The term “yoke” can be used figuratively to describe any situation in which two things are joined together.

History of the yoke

A yoke is a wooden beam normally used between a pair of oxen or other animals to enable them to pull together on a load, usually a plough. A yoke is often used to join oxen, cows, horses, mules, sheep and donkeys together.

Types of yokes

A yoke is a frame of wood, metal or other material used to support or fasten something. The word can also refer to a crosspiece that joins the shafts of a cart or carriage.

There are many different types of yokes, each designed for a specific purpose. For example, a wooden yoke might be used to support a pair of oxen while they pull a plough, while a metal yoke might be used to fasten two beams together.

Some of the most common types of yokes include:

A-frame yoke: This is the most basic type of yoke and consists of two upright pieces joined at the top by a crosspiece. A-frame yokes are often used to support weighty objects such as beams or barrels.

Horned yoke: This type of yoke is similar to an A-frame yoke but has metal horns projecting from the top corners. Horned yokes were once commonly used to secure oxen in place, but they are now largely obsolete.

Padded yoke: Padded yokes are often used to carry heavy loads such as sacks of flour or potatoes. They consist of an A-frame yoke with padding on the crosspiece, which helps distribute the weight evenly and prevents it from digging into the shoulders of the person carrying it.

Collared yoke: A collared yoke is an A-frame yoke with a metal ring or collar fitted around the crosspiece. This type of yoke is often used for carrying pipes or other cylindrical objects.

Saddle yoke: A saddle yoke is an A-frame yoke with a padded seat attached to the crosspiece. Saddle yokes were once commonly used by milkmaids when carrying pails of milk, but they are now mostly seen in rural areas where they are still used for carrying heavy loads such as firewood.

How to make a yoke

A yoke is a frame of wood, metal or other material that is used to join together two or more animals or objects.

Uses for yokes

A yoke is a wooden or metal frame that is used to join two animals together, usually oxen, so that they can work together as a team. It is also used to join other objects together, such as a pair of oars.