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Mali - Timbuktu - The Ponds (Mares) - Fetching water
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Mali - Timbuktu - The Ponds (Mares) - Fetching water
Mali - Timbuktu - The Ponds (Mares) - Large excavations dug out of the sand to draw up water from the depths. Date: circa 1910
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 11562882
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Carries Deep Dugout Excavations Fetching Mali Malian Mares Pond Ponds Supply Supplying Timbuctoo Timbuktu Transporting Timbuktoo
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph taken circa 1910 transports us back in time to the ancient city of Timbuktu, Mali, where the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert meets the lush oases of the Niger River. In the foreground, we see several women, dressed in traditional clothing, carefully balancing large earthen jars on their heads as they make their way to the large excavations known as 'les mares' or 'the ponds'. These impressive structures, dug deep into the sand, were used to draw up water from the depths during the dry season when the Niger River receded. The water from these ponds was essential for the survival of the people of Timbuktu, providing them with a vital source of hydration for themselves, their livestock, and their crops. The historical significance of Timbuktu as a center of learning and commerce during the medieval period is well documented, but this image offers a glimpse into the daily life of its inhabitants during a time when the city's fortunes had waned. The women in the photograph, their faces obscured by veils, carry the water with quiet determination, their bodies bent under the weight of their loads. The ponds themselves, large and shallow, reflect the clear blue sky above, creating a stark contrast to the arid surroundings. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of the human spirit, as well as the importance of water in sustaining life in even the most inhospitable of environments. It invites us to reflect on the rich history and culture of Timbuktu, a city that continues to captivate the imagination of travelers and scholars alike.
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