Olive Oil Soap

The olive tree is an essential part of Palestinian culture and its economy. In parts of the Middle East, the olive tree is called the "widow's tree", because, even after the husband's deat ...

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 17:28:42 -0800

folkartmavens
The olive tree is an essential part of Palestinian culture and its economy. In parts of the Middle East, the olive tree is called the "widow's tree", because, even after the husband's deat ...

After the olives are picked, the oil is extracted in an olive press.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 09:46:47 -0700

folkartmavens
After the olives are picked, the oil is extracted in an olive press.

The oil is bottled for market. Oil that is not used or sold within the year is set aside to make olive oil soap with.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 17:26:06 -0800

folkartmavens
The oil is bottled for market. Oil that is not used or sold within the year is set aside to make olive oil soap with.

Traditionally, olive oil soap is made in a large barrel over lit kindling.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 17:32:17 -0800

folkartmavens
Traditionally, olive oil soap is made in a large barrel over lit kindling.

Twenty liters of water is added to the barrel.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:02:33 -0800

folkartmavens
Twenty liters of water is added to the barrel.

Eighty kilos of virgin olive oil are poured in using a 3 kg pouring tin. This will make 600+ bars of soap.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:25:37 -0800

folkartmavens
Eighty kilos of virgin olive oil are poured in using a 3 kg pouring tin. This will make 600+ bars of soap.

Scoops of caustic soda are added (total 4 kilos).

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 17:34:00 -0800

folkartmavens
Scoops of caustic soda are added (total 4 kilos).

The mixture is heated for 4 ½ hours on a light fire, stirring occasionally.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:24:40 -0800

folkartmavens
The mixture is heated for 4 ½ hours on a light fire, stirring occasionally.

When ready, the mixture is scooped out and brought to a prepared area to set.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:31:06 -0800

folkartmavens
When ready, the mixture is scooped out and brought to a prepared area to set.

Wooden sticks are used to create a rectangular area on a tiled floor for setting the soap. The soup is poured into the area.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:27:01 -0800

folkartmavens
Wooden sticks are used to create a rectangular area on a tiled floor for setting the soap. The soup is poured into the area.

The soap is smoothed for setting.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:33:08 -0800

folkartmavens
The soap is smoothed for setting.

After smoothing, the soap is covered with plastic and left to set for one day.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:35:38 -0800

folkartmavens
After smoothing, the soap is covered with plastic and left to set for one day.

After the setting is complete, the top of the soap is scrapped smooth. Soap scraps are saved to use for detergent.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:36:51 -0800

folkartmavens
After the setting is complete, the top of the soap is scrapped smooth. Soap scraps are saved to use for detergent.

The size of the soap is set using a simple, pegged piece of wood.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:45:05 -0800

folkartmavens
The size of the soap is set using a simple, pegged piece of wood.

A string, dipped in blue coloring, is used to mark the cutting lines on the soap.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:47:39 -0800

folkartmavens
A string, dipped in blue coloring, is used to mark the cutting lines on the soap.

If desired, an identifying stamp can be put on each bar of soap.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:49:09 -0800

folkartmavens
If desired, an identifying stamp can be put on each bar of soap.

The soap is cut along the blue lines.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:50:44 -0800

folkartmavens
The soap is cut along the blue lines.

Pieces are removed and admired.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:55:16 -0800

folkartmavens
Pieces are removed and admired.

The soap is stacked in a pyramid shape to dry for two days before packing.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:58:31 -0800

folkartmavens
The soap is stacked in a pyramid shape to dry for two days before packing.

Abdul Wahed, maker of hand-shaped colored soaps, stands in his workshop with samples.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:34:29 -0700

folkartmavens
Abdul Wahed, maker of hand-shaped colored soaps, stands in his workshop with samples.

Ahmed has learned the art of soap making from his grandfather, Abdul Wahed in Mazri' al-Nubani. Here he is polishing a bar of soap with a piece of burlap.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:34:20 -0700

folkartmavens
Ahmed has learned the art of soap making from his grandfather, Abdul Wahed in Mazri' al-Nubani. Here he is polishing a bar of soap with a piece of burlap.

Fruit soaps, hand-shaped and colored by Abdul Wahed, soapmaker in the village of Mazri' al-Nubani, outside of Ramallah.

nobody@smugmug.com (folkartmavens) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:34:33 -0700

folkartmavens
Fruit soaps, hand-shaped and colored by Abdul Wahed, soapmaker in the village of Mazri' al-Nubani, outside of Ramallah.