Teuchacapa

Having lost much of my wares and coin in a terrible fall which fractured my leg— I had to rely on a local teuchacapa to make my way to my nearest associates. A reliable, convenient, and comfortable mode of transport.

— A Rektouzk trader

A teuchacapa is a type of hammock litter, popular throughout the known world for transporting a variety of things, from people, to wares.

A Taxing Transport

A steam-bent, carved, or naturally curved log is used as the core of the teuchacapa's construction. The front end should curve slightly upwards, and the back should curve at a sharper angle downwards.

A notch will be carved into the top, and the bottom— in which tough rope will be looped and tied— two around the back, and a single rope at the front. At the far end of each loop, a wider, tough woven cloth is tied.

Inwards two smaller notches are carved along the top of the beam, and two ropes tied around each— connecting to the hammock beneath. The hammock itself is held at each corner by these ropes.

---

Teuchacapa hammocks are built with a strong rectangular frame, bent upwards at the front and back— with a longer angle at the back. A single support beam runs horizontally across the center. Either strong cloth or tight wicker is placed inside this frame. A small fence is added on the left and right sides, creating a basket of sorts. Some may be hinged to allow for easier removal.

Two small wheels are attached from the bottom of the frame by nailing and tying long cuts of wood with singular holes carved into each to the underside.
These support a straight axle upon which both wheels rotate.

Riding

To use a teuchacapa, one needs a minimum of three able-bodied individuals. One in the front, leading the way, and two followers in the back— one at each side. Each will take a loop of rope, and place the widened cloth at the end over their heads— resting just past their hairline— allowing them to carry the weight of the teuchacapa with their spines.

Whatever is being transported will be placed in the hammock, be it a person, trade goods, or food. The vehicle is mostly carried from place to place, but there are times where the wheels become useful. For long journeys, they can take some weight from the porters, and for steeper avenues— they allow the transport to keep from dragging.

two-kah-kah-pah

For both rich and poor

There are many different designs of the teuchacapa, the simplest and roughest of which are typically used by poorer folk.

Variants include simply draping a large cloth over the top— giving shade to the rider— or goods, constructed umbrellas for rain, gold— gems— and shining metals embellished on the outside to show one's wealth, and an odd, rare variant with four larger wheels.

Related articles