In Mesoamerica men, women, and children all carry "heavy burdens upon their backs" (Mosiah 21:3). According to Joseph Allen, we can assume that Alma and his party carried their grain in the same manner in which the native Indians of Mesoamerica carry their grain today. A strap about 2 inches wide is placed on the forehead and is attached to the load, which is carried on the back. [Joseph L. Allen, Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon, p. 293]
Mosiah 21:3 They put heavy burdens upon their backs ([Illustration]): Carrying heavy burdens on their backs is common practice in Guatemala. The Lamanites put heavy burdens on the backs of Limhi's people. [Merrill Oaks, "Some Perspectives on Book of Mormon Geography," Slide #53]
Mosiah 21:3 They . . . began to put heavy burdens upon their backs ([Illustration]): Human bearers routinely carried from sixty to one hundred pounds of all sorts of goods on their bent backs. The load was held in place by a band across the forehead. They often traveled at a near trot and for up to ten hours a day. [John L. Sorenson, Images of Ancient America, p. 56]