Many of us have gone on long Sunday drives in the country and had the pleasure of seeing large, old, picturesque barns. Usually bright red or white, these barns stand out as landmark monuments. Towering above the landscape and offering a glimpse into the not-so-long-ago past. Old weathered wood adorns their sides and open-holed hay lofts. The grounds of the barn are usually surrounded by corrals or various holding shoots for cattle or horses. Retired farm machinery is also displayed on these idyllic grounds, sitting, as if the old tractor just stalled and the poor farmer left it in the place it last worked and where it has since sat, untouched for a century. Full of nostalgia for some and home for others, these barns serve as the archetypal farmland scenery. Atop some of these regal barns sits the iconic copula, placed gallantly in the center of the barn like a beacon for all who lay eyes upon it. It seems to be the guidon of the barn. Recently, here at Coteau Valley Farm, we had a barn find, an old, possibly 100-year-old copula. I do not know the history of this copula so naturally my imagination began to wander, daydreaming about its past use and which old barn roof it came from. Actually, I am fairly certain the barn it was attached to is long since demolished, and an empty spot, fills its void. I mused on all the seasons it may have endured and all the passersby that might have visited the farm. Also, I wondered about the farmer who worked in and around the barn. I wonder how he cared for the barn, all those years past. It made me realize, although I enjoyed the look of the copula, I really knew nothing about its history, beyond its charm and countryside appeal. There had to be some use to them, beyond their sentimental beauty. Turns out, my inkling was right, copulas have a grand history and important use, dating back to 8th-century Islamic architecture. Copulas were placed high on the top of minarets; these were tall, thin steeples. They remind me of bell towers with square, octagonal, geometric shapes, and copulas! These balconies were used five times a day for the Muslim daily call to prayer. After some time they became a common staple on top of homes in the Middle East. The Moors were believed to have brought them to Spain in the 17 century and from there they spread to the entirety of Europe. Copulas made their debut in America during the post-Revolutionary War period, particularly in the New England area where they are found in churches, homes, barns, and basically on everything. I have ventured a long way from South Dakota and the farmer's barn, but wow what a journey! In the barn, these copulas are used to keep the air ventilation flowing and help the lower part of the barn receive fresh air. The flow of air keeps condensation from forming on the upper ceilings from the breath of animals. The farmer does not have to open the barn door and lose heat to reduce moisture. This in turn keeps the hay from too much moisture build-up, which molds hay. The architectural look alone is not their only use, even though it does provide that far-away country home look. In addition, if you look at the picture, you will notice a sharp metal point. This points to another purpose for the Copula, especially in South Dakota. Lightning! Yikes! But luckily, it kept the barn from burning down for over 100 years. I'm happy I learned more about barns and copulas. I have a new appreciation for their past and their future. Perhaps, I'll say a silent prayer the next time I drive past an old barn with a copula, taking the time to thank God for the wisdom he gave men to improve their livelihood. Were you aware of the history of the copula? Please tell me what you think!
Coteau des Prairies
South Dakota Hobby Farm
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