The Egyptian Shadoof or shaduf was an ancient tool used to draw water for irrigational purposes. It was the earliest form of water raising machine which drew water from a lower level to a higher level. The earliest known use of shadoofs was in Mesopotamia, Egypt, some other African and Asian areas.

Egyptian Shadoof

The Egyptian Shadoof basically comprised of a frame erected on the ground. On this frame, a long pole or branch was suspended. Towards the long end of the pole a container, like a bucket or a basket was hung and the shorter end was used for the purpose of carrying the weight, thus balancing the two ends of the pole.

The bucket or the container was slowly lower towards the water body and water was filled in it. This water was then poured over the area where the irrigation activity was to take place. The ancient technique of drawing water using a shadoof has been replaced today by new inventions. However, some people in Egypt still follow the practice of drawing water using shadoof, thus retaining the traditional method.