bucket

The concept of bucket comes from Hispanic Arabic alkúza, in turn derived from classical Arabic kūzah. Continuing with the etymological route to its source, kūzah comes from Aramaic kūz[ā], which finds its starting point in the Persian kuze.

A cruet is a vessel that is used for the oil storage. The usual thing is that the cruets present a conical design. These containers contain the oil that is used in different ways, facilitating its administration.

The cruet is used to store and administer oil.

Analyzing the notion of alcuza

Before moving on to the definition itself, it is worth examining some of the aforementioned terms to easily understand what a bucket is. We pointed out that it is a vessel: that is to say, of a small and concave object that is used mainly to contain liquids.

On the other hand, we indicated that a cruet is used to store oil. Oil is called, meanwhile, a fatty liquid that can be obtained from seeds, fruits or animals (corn oil, coconut oil, cod oil, etc.).

The alcuza, in short, is used to preserve and administer oil. It has one or two handles, usually has a long and thin neck and has a mouth, with which it is easy to pour the oil it contains inside.

Other similar containers

We can find several elements that comply with functions similar or equal to those of the cruet. A oil can, for example, it is used to store and dose edible oil.

The cruet, as its name implies, it is used to store vinegar. In any case, it is common for the idea to appear in the plural (cruet) and that refers to the set of two containers used for vinegar and oil in table service.

In the case of smelled, contains specific oils: consecrated oils (known as Saint oil) that are used in different ceremonies. You can also collect the chrism, denomination of a combination of oil and balm used for the anointing in the confirmation, the baptism and other religious rituals.

Image of a tin cruet next to a mortar.

Materials of the cruet

According to historians, the first alcuas were made with mud. In this way, they were part of the creations made by the potters.

Over time other types of alcuzas emerged, made of tin, crystal, stainless steel, crockery and more materials. They are often glazed inside; In some cases, in addition, they present an outstanding ornamentation that is conspicuous in their external appearance.

Regarding the materials and the appearance, it is important to mention that there are oils that, for their proper conservation, need not be exposed to the light. That is why the tanks, at least in terms of their functionality, must be opaque when they are used to store certain oils.

A poem by Dámaso Alonso

The Spanish Damaso alonso (1898-1990) stood out as a writer and as a philologist. Throughout his career he obtained awards such as the National Poetry Prize of Spain and the Miguel de Cervantes Award and directed the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE).

Among his works is the poem "Woman with alcuza", which he dedicated to his friend and also a poet Leopoldo Panero. The verses are inspired by a woman who worked in her family's home as a maid.