What is the old household item depicted in the picture?

A carrying pole, also called a shoulder pole or a milkmaid's yoke, is a yoke of wood or bamboo, used by people to carry a load.

It is still widely used in East Asia, and was once also used in Europe and the Western World, in particular by milkmaids. It has been used in the United States, Australia, and Europe. It was also commonly used in Sri Lanka, where it was called "Pingo". There are early 19th century postcards from Ceylon with "Pingo Carriers".

The basic design is a wood or bamboo yoke, usually tapered. From each end of the yoke, a load of equal mass is suspended. The load may be a basket of goods, pail of milk, water or other liquid, suspended on rope. The load may be hung directly from the yoke, without any rope.