How a 17th-century doctor documented a Maltese farming tool

Abstract

In his recent contribution ‘Is-sienja in Malta’s early agriculture’ (January 12), Giovanni Bonello writes: “For thousands of years, agriculture received no help from mechanised contraptions. Back-breaking labour dominated, occasionally assisted by strong quadrupeds. Probably, the only exception was the traditional sienja, whose origins and history lurk in obscurity but, presumably, stretch back a very long time. I am not aware of a correct English equivalent of the Maltese word sienja. The universally-used water wheel or watermill refer to a totally different mechanical device – running water turning a wheel and converting the movement into energy, commonly found in countries with abundant waterfalls or rapidly moving rivers or streams. This led to hydroelectric power.” [excerpt]