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41. On the highways and byways

Mule trains

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In the Alps, goods were carried by porters, sledge and beasts of burden. It was managed by guilds linking the communities living on the mountain slopes. "Marrons" (guides) accompanied travellers, while "coubles" or mule trains carried the goods. The mules were tied together in caravans, harnessed and equipped with pack saddles. In the fifteenth century, their utilitarian tack was decorated with pompons, ribbons and bells, whose tinkling urged the animals on. The ornate harness showed how powerful the convoy was and discouraged bandits. Amulets were tied on to the harness to ward off evil forces.

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