3-011-947 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Tunis water-carriers, 1864. 'The group represented in our Engraving under this title is from a sketch by an artist who recently visited Tunis and thence went overland to Egypt. In Tunis, water-carriers are an indispensable part of the community, as there are no underground mains and pipes for the distribution of that necessary liquid; while the heat of the climate and the Mohammedan customs of ablution make the personal consumption of large supplies of water even more important than it is in our northern climate. The water is carried in earthern jars of a peculiar shape, and a bunch of palm-leaves is placed in the mouth of each vessel to protect it from impurities and to keep the water cool'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.