Interactive Activity: Flail

Tool Demonstration: Threshing with a Flail

Wait for the file to download, then click the arrow to play the movie.

Transcript of movie: Threshing separates the seeds from the heads of dried grains such as wheat, oats, and rye. This man is using a flail to pound on the heads of wheat so that the seeds pop out. The process works best on a firm surface such as a barn floor. Another method was to lead a team of oxen over the grain; letting their feet do the work of separating out the seeds. Filmed at Historic Deerfield.