Miner''s Cradle Wood Metal, Ballarat, circa 1880s
Wooden miner''s cradle with metal sieve used to separate gold or other heavy minerals from soil and water, dating to before 1900. Washdirt and water were tipped into the sieve at the top while the cradle was rocked. The oscillating motion washed away sand and fine particles, leaving the gold trapped behind ridges across the bottom. Large rocks and gravel caught by the seive were discarded by hand.