Global InformationAftabeh information
Aftabeh or Abtabeh (/ɑːftɑːˈbɛ/, /ɑːbtɑːˈbɛ/ Persian: Ābtābe; Azerbaijani: Aftafa), also called ābdasta (Persian: آبدسته, from āb – water and dasta – handle) is a pitcher made out of clay, copper, brass, or plastic which is used traditionally for purposes of hand washing, cleansing, and ablution.[1][2] Its overall shape is similar to a ewer with an angled spout protruding from its side, from where water is poured.
Aftebehs are common in Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Central Asian countries. In Uzbekistan, the vessel is mostly called ābdasta, but the term āftoba is common in Namangan and Andijan regions. Aftabehs are called ibriq in Qashqadaryo Region. Aftabehs are also similar to the lota used in Bangladesh, Pakistan and India which have similar uses.
Aftabeh is now mostly an accessory in toilets and used inside the bathroom alongside health faucets. Aftabeh has been used within Persia and the wider Central Asian region throughout history and many historical aftabehs, particularly elaborately decorated ones are on display at museums around the world as historical artifacts with cultural and artistic value.[3]
- ^ Alberts, Robert Charles (1983). Social Structure and Culture Change in an Iranian Village, Volume 1. University of Wisconsin. p. 169.
- ^ "Squat toilet in Iran". Archived from the original on 18 March 2020. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ "oldest aftabeh dating 2600 years". Rokna News Agency. 18 March 2020.