A shaduf is an irrigation tool, originally developed in ancient Sumer.
The shaduf comprises a bitumen-coated reed basket or other waterproof receptacle. A branch or pole, balanced on a fulcrum, connects this receptacle to a counterweight made of clay or other similar heavy material. With an almost effortless swinging and lifting motion, the device makes it easier to extract water from a river to feed irrigation ditches.
See also: Archimedes' screw.
