also: もっこ · もっこう · いしみ
straw carrying bag; hod
A traditional woven straw mat used like a bag or hod for carrying earth, sand, or other materials, often slung from a pole. Primarily a historical or construction term.
At old construction sites, straw carrying bags were used to move earth.
祭りの準備で、砂利を畚に入れて運んだ。
During festival preparations, we carried gravel in straw hods.
Common kana spelling, especially in contexts where the kanji is obscure.
Alternate reading; less common than もっこ.
The origin is uncertain. The kanji 畚 is a kokuji (Japanese-made character) associated with this specific tool.