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Animal-driven oil mills
Animal-powered oil extracting wheels, particularly those using camels, have been a long-standing tradition in markets. During the Mahdist period, these mills were crucial economic centers, supporting local livelihoods and contributing significantly to the market economy. They also served as fronts for revolutionary activities, providing cover for clandestine meetings.
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Animal-powered oil extracting wheels, particularly those using camels, have been a long-standing tradition in markets. During the Mahdist period, these mills were crucial economic centers, supporting local livelihoods and contributing significantly to the market economy. They also served as fronts for revolutionary activities, providing cover for clandestine meetings.
The traditional oil extraction process, which involves animals turning wheels to crush seeds, is known for producing high-quality oil. This is because the method typically uses cold pressing, preserving the oil's natural flavors and nutrients. Despite modern advancements, this handcrafted process ensures the oil remains pure and authentic.
In his film Jamal (A Camel), 1981, Ibrahim Shaddad shows life through the eyes of a camel stirring an oil mill, the film shows a political view through metaphor constantly mirroring everyday life struggles through the camel’s mundane work.
Today, these traditional mills still operate in some regions, valued for their cultural heritage and the superior quality of the oil they produce. This continuation highlights the lasting importance and effectiveness of traditional practices.
Cover picture: A camel-driven sesame oil mill owned by Abdulrahman Rahama Musa © Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed Sulaiman, November 2023, Obaid, Kordofan, taken as part of the ICH documentation workshop in Shaikan Museum
Animal-powered oil extracting wheels, particularly those using camels, have been a long-standing tradition in markets. During the Mahdist period, these mills were crucial economic centers, supporting local livelihoods and contributing significantly to the market economy. They also served as fronts for revolutionary activities, providing cover for clandestine meetings.
The traditional oil extraction process, which involves animals turning wheels to crush seeds, is known for producing high-quality oil. This is because the method typically uses cold pressing, preserving the oil's natural flavors and nutrients. Despite modern advancements, this handcrafted process ensures the oil remains pure and authentic.
In his film Jamal (A Camel), 1981, Ibrahim Shaddad shows life through the eyes of a camel stirring an oil mill, the film shows a political view through metaphor constantly mirroring everyday life struggles through the camel’s mundane work.
Today, these traditional mills still operate in some regions, valued for their cultural heritage and the superior quality of the oil they produce. This continuation highlights the lasting importance and effectiveness of traditional practices.
Cover picture: A camel-driven sesame oil mill owned by Abdulrahman Rahama Musa © Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed Sulaiman, November 2023, Obaid, Kordofan, taken as part of the ICH documentation workshop in Shaikan Museum
