Basin
Author: Unknown
Origin: Unknown
Dating: 17th century
Material: Tin
Dimensions (cm): Ø 10
Inv. no.: PD0563
An oval basin with a flat bottom, and wide and turned edges with a semicircular opening in the rim. It has three slightly faded marks on the rim that seem to be the initials “IAR” surmounted by a crown. It is a vessel that would be used to pour water for shaving. This type of object – also known as “decollated basin” – has a semicircular opening to facilitate the placing of the neck. Some of these pieces had a small concave opening in the rim intended to hold liquid or powdered soap. Originally, they were paired with an ewer.
In recent times, handwashing has become one of the most frequently performed daily tasks. However, as early as the Middle Ages, “giving water to the hands” – before and after each meal – was an extremely important ritual.
«Servants brought ewers and cruets, made of silver or other metals depending on the wealth of the table, and large basins on which to place the hands. […] Hands were wiped on napkins or smaller towels.»
A. H. de Oliveira Marques in “A Sociedade Medieval Portuguesa, Aspectos de Vida Quotidiana”
