Two Malagasy women carrying waterpots on their heads; the woman on the left also carries a child on her back. Halftone.

1 process print : halftone ; image 13.1 x 12 cm

Malagasy equilibrists made perfect by practice Malagasy women practise the virtually world-wide custom of carrying their waterpots on their heads, thereby acquiring noticeable erectness of figure. The circular shape of the Malagasy siny, or pot, does not lend itself easily to this method, but practice makes the woman so adept that some of them can balance one on their head unsupported by hand, while carrying a child on their back

Wellcome Collection 37364i