Skip to main content
Object Number 973-42-50/11753
Display Title Bars of soap, purchased in market, sold by traders, usually Moslem
Descriptions
Indigenous Term Hiddi
Object Description Bars of soap, purchased in market, sold by traders, usually Moslem, who travel a weekly circuit within a week's travel by donkey from an established urban trade center. Before soap was available, women used hiddu fruit, succulent yellow, round fruit with seeds, resembling a cherry tomato. Pulp juice used to clean cotton. Expense of soap, and time involvedin preparing hiddi makes people mindful of staying clean. Spotlessly white clothes signify wealth.
Inventory Description Bar of soap, molded with UNITED\ OIL\ MILLs FINE sOAP/ 777, chipped
Classification
  • Accessory
Department Ethnographic
Date 1972-1973
Culture
  • Machagalla
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
Africa / Ethiopia / Northern Wallega
Additional Geographic Terms Horo-Guduru; Lemu; Gidda-Kiramu
Materials Soap
Dimensions Overall: 7.9 x 4.4 x 2.1 cm (3 1/8 x 1 3/4 x 13/16 in.)
Quantity 1
Label on object 973-42-50/11753

Important Note about Historical Language

Collections records may contain language, reflecting past collecting practices and methods of analysis, that is no longer acceptable. The Peabody Museum is committed to addressing the problem of offensive and discriminatory language present in its database. Our museum staff are continually updating these records, adding to and improving content. We welcome your feedback and any questions or concerns you may want to share. Please email us with your comments.