travois

vehicle

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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A travois is a simple vehicle historically used by Plains peoples. It consists of two poles that form a V-shape, with the open end dragging on the ground. A platform or net is attached to bridge the poles, serving to carry loads. Before the introduction of horses, dogs were used to pull travois, which limited extensive travel. The term "travoy" can also be used as a verb, meaning to haul or transport something using a travois.123

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Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains
Plains life before the horse
Dogs drew the travois, a vehicle consisting of two poles in the shape of a V, with the open end of the V dragging on the ground; burdens were placed on a platform that bridged the two poles. Because of the limitations inherent in using only dogs and…
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Dogs drew the travois, a vehicle consisting of two poles in the shape of a V, with the open end of the V dragging on the ground; burdens were placed on a platform that bridged the two poles. Because of the limitations inherent in using only dogs and…
Read More