noun
wooden backpack frame; carrying rack with shoulder straps
Archaic term for a traditional wooden frame worn on the back, used to carry loads such as firewood or goods. Now mostly encountered in historical or rural contexts.
昔の人は背負子で薪を運んだ。
People in the past carried firewood on a wooden backpack frame.
この民俗資料館には古い背負子が展示されている。
An old carrying rack is on display at this folk museum.
Compound of 背負う (seou, 'to carry on one's back') + 子 (ko, diminutive suffix), with a sound shift to しょいこ. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.