vintage iron water pot

Until relatively recently, these vintage water pots were used by Rajasthani women to carry water to their homes from community wells or rivers.  Carried on their head, nestled on a cushion of cloth, these water pots were an every day piece of equipment.

Many, many homes are still without running water in the more remote villages, but heavy iron pots such as these have been replaced by light weight plastic pots and buckets, making the job much easier - although still tedious and time consuming.  We purchase these pots from villagers, who are eager to replace them with much the lighter plastic pots and drums.