Historical information

Hames are attached to a horse collar used to distribute the load around a horse's neck and shoulders when pulling a wagon or plough. The collar often supports and pads a pair of curved metal or wood pieces, called hames, to which the traces, which attach to the wagon or plough, of the harness are attached. The collar allows the horse to use its full strength when pulling. This pair of hames would have probably been used on a farm or delivery wagon in the Warrnambool district.

Significance

Horses played a vital role of the agricultural industry in Warrnambool before the mechanisation of farm machinery. This item is associated with that time.

Physical description

Hames - Harness pieces (2) black metal with hooks, rings & chain. Wattle stamped.