[Lithograph 9]
YOUNG ARAB GIRL RETURNING FROM THE BATH. CAIRO
In 19th century Cairo, there were many ḥammāms (public bathhouses), although they have dwindled owing to the spread of modern shower rooms. This girl, who has tattoos on her face, carries bath supplies in a basket on her head and is on her way home after a steam bath. On the second story of the building on the right, there can be seen a mashrabīya, a characteristic Egyptian projecting window. The Egyptians kept water in unglazed pots and allowed the heat to evaporate so they can always have cool water to drink.
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