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A seemingly innocuous, simple Y-shaped branch has been arousing amazement among internet users. But did you know it hides a fascinating story dating back to the 16th century?
In search of water: ancestral know-how
This humble tool, known as a dowsing rod or divining rod , was once used to locate underground water . Imagine a farmer holding this Y-shaped branch, roaming fields and hills in search of this precious liquid. This process relied on a supposed sensitivity to vibrations that would indicate the presence of a water source.
An evolving technique
Although today primarily associated with water research, the use of dowsing originally had another purpose. In the 16th century, this tool was also used to detect precious metals buried in the ground. Over time, it became indispensable to rural populations seeking wells to settle.
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