Yoke fittings of pre‑Roman Dacia

Abstract

During the Late Iron Age, draft animals, both oxen and horses, mules or donkeys, were harnessed on the transport vehicle by a double yoke that transmitted the traction power to the wagon through which it was fastened. Certain metallic parts were attached on these double wooden yokes, some of them having a functional role, and others an ornamental one. Such metal parts were also discovered in pre-Roman Dacia, most of them coming from fortunate discoveries, illegal detection and less in clear archaeological contexts. Some of the pieces presented in this article have been discussed and featured typologically and chronologically, but a number of differences and sub-variants require a re‑discussion of these. Also in this article will be discussed other yokes known in pre-Roman Dacia which will be typologically and chronologically framed.