They didn't. It was the ancient chinese in 200bc.
243 BC
A winnowing fan is an agricultural tool shaped like a sickle. It is used in harvesting crops by reaping of the crop.
winnowing fan
used to seperate the grains from the husks. husks were blown away by the wind creeated by the winnowing fan and the grains would fall to the found.
The winnowing fan was used to separate grains from chaff or dirt by tossing them in the air. As the grains fell back down, the lighter chaff or dirt would be blown away by the wind, leaving behind clean grains.
Has to do with threshing, an agricultural task now mainly performed by harvesting machines, combines, etc.
the electric fan
1882
for some use
In ancient Egypt, a winnowing fan was used to separate grain from chaff after harvesting. The fan, often made of palm fronds or reeds, would be used to toss the harvested grain into the air, allowing the wind to blow away the lighter chaff while the heavier grains fell back to the ground. This process was essential for ensuring clean, usable grain for food and storage. It showcased the ingenuity of ancient agricultural practices in efficiently processing crops.
because they had to move it round with a handle
Schuyler Skaats Wheeler