Turkish Bath Bowl

In Ottoman times the Turkish bath bowl was used to scoop

water out of the basin in the Hamam or Turkish bath. This

public bath was a cultural institution, a place where believers

could fulfill the Islamic precept of cleanliness, but also place

in which to mingle, socialize and gossip. Women would proceed

from their harem to the Hamam with great ceremony, showing

off their ornately embroidered towels ivory inlaid slippers and

bath bowls decorated with different designs.

Traditionally it was also customary among wealthy families

to present the bride with a silver bath bowl, as a significant part

of a woman's trousseau, demonstrating the social status of the woman.

A popular design used on the bowls was that of the jointed fish,

a symbol of sacred fertility. The designs often told where

the bowl was made. Bath bowls were made from different materials

and different sizes, and were also used by men and children.

These days the Turkish bath bowl is still being used in Hamams.