Sheep market in Gadaïa - Algeria

Central America - At the market of Santiago de Atitlan (Guatemala), the men still wore their customary striped trousers when this picture was taken; little by little, however, European-cut shirts were already replacing their traditional garments. - 1980

This girl from the Aït Haddidou tribe, in the Moroccan High Atlas, has made herself up for the September moussem, a traditional market where one can get honey... and a fiancé.

A pig market in San Francisco el Alto, in Guatemala. Most of today’s domestic animals in Central America were brought by the Spaniards.

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
Etalage au marché de Huanuco. Les petits sacs en toile contiennent des herbes aromatiques ou des plantes médicinales. - 1969

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
Les femmes indiennes du département du Cuzco portent des chapeaux plats. On les distingue très facilement des métis qui, elles, sont coiffées d'un couvre-chef de couleur blanche, orné d'un ruban. Marché de Chincheros (département du Cuzco). - 1969

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
Courges gravées au feu en vente sur le marché de Huancayo (Sierra centrale). - 1969

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
Très animée, la feria dominicale de Chinchero attire des centaines d'aborigènes aux costumes couleurs d'arc-en-ciel!

You do not need a bus to go to the market. This truck in Calca in the Urubamba Valley will be filled with Indians to the last place, including their merchandise, of course. - 1969

An Indian in typical dress drinking her chicha - Cambapata market - Cuzco - 1969

These women sell their fish at a market in the Rimac neighbourhood of Lima. The pelicans are waiting to get their hands on a bite. - Peru - Lima - 1969

Market day in Masaya in Nicaragua. A woman has bought two wicker chests. - 1977

These horse-drawn carriages function as taxis in the town of Masaya in Nicaragua. - 1977

An Indian woman from La Antigua sits at her loom. The fabrics thus produced vary considerably in colours and patterns from region to region and even from village to village. This peculiarity, which is found in all the Indian republics of the continent, stems from the fact that clothing is a characteristic of origin for the indigenous people. It distinguishes them from the others and expresses their attachment to their place of origin. - 1977

Doña Concepción Pacach Tzina wears the traditional dress of her people and lives in the village of Santiago de Atitlán in Guatemala. The typical costume is an example of the culture of every town in Guatemala. One of the most striking accessories is the famous tocoyal of Santiago Atitlán. The tocoyal is a ribbon that is wrapped around the head and is between 20 and 25 yards long, which is roughly equivalent to between 16 and 21 metres. To use it, it is wrapped around the head 20 times, simulating a hat. The 20 loops refer to the Mayan calendar and also signify the continuity of life, the feathered serpent and the Tzu'tujil culture. One of the most famous personalities to wear this garment was Doña Concepción Ramírez Chonita from Santiago Atitlán, who won the competition to be depicted on the 25 cent coin of the national currency in 1936. - 1977

In the market of Santiago de Atitlán. - 1977

It is Sunday, market day in Santiago de Atitlán, on the shores of a beautiful Guatemalan lake. These men are wearing their ethnic cotton trousers with vertical stripes. Some of these garments still have multicoloured embroidery on the lower part. However, while some have kept the typical local shirt, the majority of the others have adopted the European or American cut shirt. Men who travel and work outside their community are more influenced by the outside world than women. - 1977

Picturesque scene taken at the Friday feria in the Guatemalan village of San Francisco el Alto. You can find everything in the Indian markets, not only products of the land and crafts, but also domestic animals. The turkey has been known throughout Central America since pre-Columbian times. Then it moved to South America. The Spaniards brought this bird to Europe when they conquered the American continent. - 1977

Another tasty scene taken at the Friday market in San Francisco el Alto, a charming village in the mountainous area of Guatemala. As early as the 16th century, the Spaniards introduced domestic animals to the Americas that were not yet known to the natives and that the latter began to raise for their own use. This was the case with cows, sheep, goats and pigs. The latter became very important during the colony and became a very important source of income in many parts of the continent. In the lowlands, pigs are fed with bananas or yucca. They roam freely in the streets of the towns and supplement their diet by swallowing whatever is within their reach. In the mountainous areas of Guatemala, on the other hand, these animals are bred for the production of fat, which is sold to mestizo and white people. The same applies to milk and eggs, which are considered luxury foods. - 1977

Friday market in San Francisco El Alto in the department of Totonicapán, Guatemala. From the 16th century onwards, the Spanish introduced domestic animals unknown to the natives into the Americas, but which they began to breed for their own use. Cows, sheep, goats and pigs became common. Pigs rose to prominence during the colonial period and became a desirable source of income in many areas. In the lower regions, pigs are fed on bananas or cassava (palm lilies). They roam freely in the streets of towns and supplement their diet with whatever is available to them. However, in the mountainous areas of Guatemala, these animals are raised for the production of lard, which is sold to mestizos and whites. - 1977

Young Mayan woman at the Friday market in San Francisco El Alto in the department of Totonicapán, Guatemala. Following the example of their ancestors from pre-Columbian times, Mayan women today still carry everything on their heads, the laundry they washed at the river, the fruits, utensils, edibles and small pets they want to sell at the market. - 1977

A little Mayan girl at the Friday market in San Francisco El Alto in the department of Totonicapán, Guatemala. - 1977

Young Mayan woman at the Friday market in San Francisco El Alto in the department of Totonicapán, Guatemala. Following the example of their ancestors from pre-Columbian times, Mayan women today still carry everything on their heads, the laundry they washed at the river, the fruits, utensils, edibles and small pets they want to sell at the market. To do so, they use magnificent baskets made by the artisans of their community. - 1977

A Mayan woman at the Friday market in San Francisco El Alto in the department of Totonicapán, Guatemala. Following the example of their ancestors from pre-Columbian times, Mayan women today still carry everything on their heads, the laundry they washed at the river, the fruits, utensils, edibles and small pets they want to sell at the market. To do so, they use magnificent baskets made by the artisans of their community. - 1977

The Friday market in San Francisco El Alto in the department of Totonicapán starts early in the morning. Those who have travelled a long way to visit the market like to go to one of the stalls to eat something. - 1977

At a market near Quezaltenango, this indigenous woman weighs her goods with a simple hand scale. - 1972

A load of pottery is carried for sale in the market of Chichicastenango. - 1972

At the market in Chichicastenango. Fruits and vegetables are still weighed with simple hand scales. - 1977

Indian girls at the market of Chichicastenango. The indigenous people of this country, who make up almost half of the total population, live mainly in the mountainous regions. They are divided into six main ethnic groups, each of which includes a number of subgroups. Most of these Indians are descendants of the pre-Columbian Maya, from whom they have inherited numerous traditions, whether in daily work, social form, beliefs or crafts. - 1977

Pottery, wooden chairs and decorated wooden chests are offered for sale at the Sunday market in Chichicastenango. - 1977

Potters' corner at the Sunday market in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. This fair allows the inhabitants to buy or sell the products of the soil and handicrafts. The Indian woman looks longingly at the objects she has decided to buy. - 1977

Mayan women selling tortillas (cornmeal cakes) in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. The market starts very early in the morning. Mobile kitchens are frequented by those who have often travelled great distances to get to the fair. - 1977

A mother with her child, taken at the Sunday market in Chichicastenango. Following the example of their pre-Columbian ancestors, Mayan women carry the youngest child of the family on their backs. It accompanies its mother on all walks. In this way, it participates in all the events of daily life from a very tender age. - 1977

On the steps in front of the Santo Tomás church in Chichicastenango. - 1977

The Church of the Calvary in Chichicastenango occupies the other end of a large square dominated by the temple erected to Santo Tomas. Twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, a market is held in this square, attended by thousands of Indians from the region. This feria has become a real tourist attraction. The staircase of the Church of Calvary, like that of the temple of Santo Tomás, is a place of offerings where the natives like to gather. They burn pieces of copal and recite prayers to their gods. - 1977

Ghardaïa, one of the most beautiful oases in the Sahara and capital of the Mzab. The other Mzab towns offer the same characteristic sight: the houses are arranged in steps on a roundish hill dominated by a pyramid-shaped minaret. View of the market place of Ghardaïa. - Algeria - 1962

Ghardaïa, one of the most beautiful oases in the Sahara and capital of the Mzab. The other Mzab towns offer the same characteristic sight: the houses are arranged in steps on a roundish hill dominated by a pyramid-shaped minaret. - Algeria - 1971

Ghardaïa, one of the most beautiful oases in the Sahara and capital of the Mzab. The other Mzab towns offer the same characteristic sight: the houses are arranged in steps on a roundish hill dominated by a pyramid-shaped minaret. View of the market place of Ghardaïa. - Algeria - 1966

Ghardaïa, one of the most beautiful oases in the Sahara and capital of the Mzab. The other Mzab towns offer the same characteristic sight: the houses are arranged in steps on a roundish hill dominated by a pyramid-shaped minaret. View of the market place of Ghardaïa, where a sheep market is taking place. - Algeria - 1971

Sheep market in the market place of Ghardaïa. - Algeria - 1971

Resting at a corner of the market place of Ghardaïa. - Algeria - 1971

Locals haggle over their goods in the marketplace of Ghardaïa. - Algeria - 1971

The marketplace of Ghardaïa. It is empty, it will soon be evening. Tomorrow, a teeming crowd will crowd here again in the sun. The donkey is the most comfortable means of transport to meander through the narrow streets that make up the coolness of the oasis. - Algeria - 1966

A Mozabite from Ghardaïa, "businessman". The Mozabite is a cunning trader, a fox in everything that concerns money. Trade is the essential driving force of the Mozabite state. - Algeria - 1966

Resting at a corner of the market place of Ghardaïa. - Algeria - 1962

A basket trader at the Murzuk market sells her wares. - Libya - 1964

It's market day in Faya Largeau, Chad - 1967

The climate in Timbuktu is desert-like, there is always a hot, dry wind (harmattan) blowing from the Sahara. - Traders sell their wares at a market in Timbuktu. - Mali - 1969

The city of Timbuktu is located about 12 kilometres north of the Niger River, which flows past in a large arc from the Massina region in a south-westerly direction. - Selling ceramics at a market in Timbuktu. - Mali - 1969

At the market in Jodhpur, local farmers sell their own produce, including red chili peppers and eggplants. – 1990

Ginger is available for sale at Pasar Beringharjo, the most famous and important spice market in Yogyakarta. – 1990

A large quantity of ginger (Zingiber officinale) is poured out of a jute sack onto the ground. The ginger roots (rhizomes) are cleaned, often peeled, and dried in the sun. Ginger is used as an aromatic cooking spice, as a base for ginger tea, or is valued in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties. – Kerala – Calicut – 1990

Turmeric at the most famous and important spice market in Yogyakarta. – 1990

Red chillies at the spice market in Yogyakarta. - The best place to buy spices in Yogyakarta is the traditional Pasar Beringharjo market. There you will find a wide selection of local spices, herbs, traditional ingredients for jamu (Indonesian herbal medicine) as well as coffee and tea. – 1990

Fresh green chillies are always popular at the market in Surabaya in north-east Java, as they serve as both a spice and a healthy vegetable. But peppers have other beneficial effects too. They are highly stimulating, aid digestion and have a laxative effect. Their active ingredient, capsaicin, is used in dentistry as a painkiller. And as a powerful antiseptic, peppers protect food from spoiling to a certain extent, which is particularly important in hot and humid tropical countries. – 1990

In Yogyakarta, Pasar Beringharjo is the most famous and important market for spices. It is considered one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in the city. – 1990

Ginger is available for sale at Pasar Beringharjo, the most famous and important spice market in Yogyakarta. – 1990

Turmeric at the most famous and important spice market in Yogyakarta. – 1990

Bananas are also sold at Pasar Beringharjo, Yogyakarta's famous spice market. – 1990

A becak (pronounced [bet?ak]) is a type of bicycle rickshaw that is particularly common on the island of Java in Indonesia. Yogyakarta – 1990

This poultry seller carries a whole bunch of live chickens tied together by their feet to the market in Yogyakarta. Chickens and ducks are among the most important sources of meat in Indonesian cuisine, with its numerous spicy dishes made from rice, vegetables, fruit and meat. – 1990

This market vendor in Yogyakarta offers her customers several varieties of rice, eggs and bird cages. The importance of rice in Asia is well known. It is not only the staple food of the poor; in Indonesia, there is hardly a dish that does not include a bowl of rice on the table. – 1990

Women also carry loads at the market in Yogyakarta. – 1990

Fish for sale at the market in Yogyakarta. – 1990

You can even buy ornamental fish for your aquarium at the market in Yogyakarta. – 1990

Scene at the market in Yogyakarta – 1990

A young saleswoman peels maniok at the market in Yogyakarta – 1990

Scene at the market in Yogyakarta – 1990

Portrait of an old woman at the bird market in Yogyakarta – 1990

The market in Yogyakarta offers a rich variety of fruit, salad and vegetables. This is testament to the fertility of the volcanic soil, which is further enhanced by the hot and humid climate. The frequent ash showers from the active volcanoes are one of the best natural fertilisers available. – 1990

At the large market in Yogyakarta, this woman is selling coconuts and banana leaves. The leaves are an environmentally friendly form of packaging that is often used in Southeast Asian cuisine. They are ideal for wrapping, steaming, grilling or braising food and give dishes a delicate, sweet and exotic aroma. – 1990

The market in Yogyakarta offers a rich variety of fruit, salad and vegetables. This is testament to the fertility of the volcanic soil, which is further enhanced by the hot and humid climate. The frequent ash showers from the active volcanoes are one of the best natural fertilisers available. – 1990

A becak (pronounced [bet?ak]) is a type of bicycle rickshaw that is particularly common on the island of Java in Indonesia. Yogyakarta – 1990

Maniok is an important gluten-free root vegetable that is widely cultivated in Java, Indonesia, and used in staple foods such as getuk (maniok porridge) and fermented tapai singkong. It is a versatile, high-calorie plant often referred to as the “tropical potato” and must be carefully peeled and cooked to remove natural toxins (linamarin). – Yogyacarta Market – 1990

At the fish market in Makassar (formerly Ujung Pandang). Fresh fish and seafood are grilled or prepared in the Makassar style, often with hot spices. – Sulawesi – 1990

This girl sells dried fish at the market in Banda Neira – Maluku – 1990

The small farmers of Ternate bring their harvest of dried and shelled nutmegs to the island's capital of the same name to sell to buyers. The nuts are weighed using simple running scales. The buyer acts as an intermediary between the export companies and the small producers. Unfortunately, the proceeds are not always commensurate with the effort involved. – 1990

The colourful market in Ternate offers fruit, vegetables and, of course, spices such as chilli peppers. – Moluccas – 1990

The colourful market in Ternate sells fruit, vegetables and, of course, spices such as chillies or ginger. – Moluccas – 1990

This girl in the market in Ambon is selling a packaged speciality – Moluccas – 1990

Dried fish is among the items on offer at the market in Ternate – Moluccas – 1990

The colourful market in Ternate sells fruit, vegetables and, of course, spices such as chillies or ginger. – Moluccas – 1990

Selling coconuts at the market in Ternate – Moluccas – 1990

The colourful market in Ternate offers fruit, vegetables and, of course, spices such as chilli peppers. – Moluccas – 1990

The colourful market in Tidore offers fruit, vegetables and, of course, spices such as chilli peppers. – Moluccas – 1990

Pepper pods on sale at the market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Fresh chilli peppers at the market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Chilli peppers, garlic, onions, limes, tomatoes – Market in Ternate – Moluccas – 1990

This woman at the market in Ternate is selling a special fruit: Malay apples (scientific name: Syzygium malaccense), also known as water apples, rose apples or pomarrosa. They are rich in pectin and vitamins A, B3 and C. They are also low in calories and fat. The fruit grows on trees that can reach heights of up to 15 metres and are particularly common in tropical regions such as South America, Asia and the Caribbean. – Moluccas – 1990

Chilli peppers, onions, ginger, turmeric, lemon verbena – Ambon market – Moluccas – 1990

At the market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), also known as yellow root, is a spice originating from South Asia that is valued for its intense yellow colour and the active ingredient curcumin. In modern nutrition and naturopathy, it is considered a ‘superfood’ due to its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. – At the market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices in the world and is obtained from the dried bark of cinnamon trees (genus Cinnamomum). It is particularly valued in cooking and natural medicine for its warm, sweet, woody aroma and its health-promoting properties. – Market in Ternate – Moluccas – 1990

Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices in the world and is obtained from the dried bark of cinnamon trees (genus Cinnamomum). It is particularly valued in cooking and natural medicine for its warm, sweet, woody aroma and its health-promoting properties. – Market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Spice shop at the market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Scene at the market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

Passing the time with a game of draughts at the market in Ambon – Moluccas – 1990

This scene shows street vendors selling shoes in Colombo, Sri Lanka, a trade that has existed in the capital for centuries. - 1990

The image of women ‘chatting’ in the streets of Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling metropolis, is an integral part of everyday city life. Especially in busy neighbourhoods such as Pettah or at the markets of Colombo, you will encounter women in colourful saris or shalwar kameez exchanging news while shopping or standing in front of their homes. – 1990

A small grocery shop known as ‘J.T. Traders’ in Kandy. Various staple foods such as grains, legumes and sugar are sold here, displayed in large sacks in front of the shop. The salespeople prepare the goods for customers or weigh them on traditional scales. Advertising posters for products such as ‘Nestomalt’ are displayed on the wall. – 1990

At the market in Kandy, a man dressed in traditional clothing offers small fruits for sale. At first glance, the fruits resemble tomatoes, but they are actually Indian jujubes, also known as ‘Sri Lankan apples’ or simply ‘ber’. They taste crisp and sweet like apples and are eaten fresh or dried. – 1990

A man sells moringa pods at the market in Kandy. These long, green pods come from the horseradish tree (Moringa oleifera) and are cultivated as a vegetable. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. – Sri Lanka – 1990

Fish market in Matara, Sri Lanka. The scene is typical of fish markets on the south-west coast of the country, where fishermen sell their daily catch directly at the harbour or on the beach. – 1990

At the large fish market in Negombo, known as Lellama, a vendor offers fresh fish for sale. – 1990

An impressive image that illustrates an extraordinary feat of physical strength. This man is balancing a large number of metal barrels on his head as he walks down a street. Even though the barrels are presumably empty, the volume and weight of the metal place a massive strain on his neck and back. – Trivandrum (now Thiruvananthapuram) – Kerala – 1990

A scene from one of the most historic and bustling commercial hubs in Kozhikode (Calicut), Kerala. Hand-pulled carts remain an integral part of logistics in the market’s narrow alleys to this day. Whilst modern lorries bring goods into the city, these workers – often referred to as ‘coolies’ – handle the final distribution to the warehouses. The jute sacks on the cart most likely contain rice, dried fruit or spices, the typical goods traded in this district. – 1990

As the streets in Kumily’s market districts are often narrow and bustling, traders rely on the tremendous strength of manual labourers to transport goods to the warehouses. The sacks often contain valuable goods such as cardamom, pepper or cinnamon, which are harvested from the surrounding plantations of Kumily and Thekkady. Kumily is regarded as the region’s most important spice trading centre. – Kerala – 1990

The ‘R.D. Drug House’ is a well-known pharmaceutical retailer in the historic district of Mattancherry in Kochi (formerly Cochin), Kerala. The elaborately designed blue wooden door is a classic example of the blend of colonial and regional styles found in Mattancherry. Many of these old buildings originally served as spice warehouses. In India, pharmacies or wholesalers of medicines are often referred to as ‘Drug Houses’. – 1990

A market scene in Trivandrum (now Thiruvananthapuram). A woman sorts fresh fruit into large baskets for sale. Street markets like this are common throughout India. – 1990

This woman from Cochin wears a distinctive red dot on her forehead, known as a bindi. Originally a symbol of the ‘third eye’ and spiritual protection in Hinduism, it is now often worn as a fashion accessory. The teardrop shape is a classic style. She is wearing gold earrings with delicate detailing and a red garment, likely a sari or a dupatta. – 1990

Market stall in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala. Such detailed displays of pulses, grains and seeds are characteristic of the city’s historic market districts. The bowls contain typical staple foods of Kerala: pulses (various types of lentils (dal), chickpeas, mung beans and pigeon peas), cereals (various types of rice, maize and millet) and seeds (coriander seeds, mustard seeds and cumin). – 1990

At a market stall in Calicut, large jute sacks filled with bright red, dried chillies – a common sight in many Asian markets – are on display. – 1990

A worker empties a jute sack of ginger roots onto a large tarpaulin to sort them or dry them further. Scenes like this are typical of the historic spice warehouses and factories in Calicut, which are renowned for their centuries-old spice trade. – 1990

A large quantity of ginger (Zingiber officinale) is poured out of a jute sack onto the ground. The ginger roots (rhizomes) are cleaned, often peeled, and dried in the sun. Ginger is used as an aromatic cooking spice, as a base for ginger tea, or is valued in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties. – Kerala – Calicut – 1990

This man is holding a bowl of fresh green cardamom pods. Cardamom is considered the third most expensive spice in the world, after saffron and vanilla. It is prized for its complex, aromatic flavour and is used in a variety of ways. Cardamom is an essential ingredient in curries, teas (such as masala chai), desserts and baked goods worldwide. In traditional medicine, it is valued for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. – Kerala – Calicut – 1990

This lively, traditional fruit and vegetable stall was photographed in Murukkady, in the state of Kerala. Clusters of bananas hang from the ceiling. Various fruits and vegetables are piled high in the woven baskets. The classic black men’s bicycle in the foreground is a typical means of transport for traders and customers alike. – 1990

The posters on the wall advertise South Indian films. One of the most prominent posters (centre-right) shows scenes from the cult film *Michael Madana Kama Rajan* (1990) starring Kamal Haasan. Other posters feature films in Malayalam or Tamil. The photograph was taken in 1990. The scene also features a traditional ox-drawn cart used for transporting goods. In the foreground, a man is pulling a small handcart laden with wicker baskets, suggesting a busy street near the market in Cannanore (now Kannur).

A fishmonger at a market in the Indian town of Vasco da Gama (often simply called ‘Vasco’) in the state of Goa, sheltering from the sun under a striking red parasol. – 1990

A street vendor in Panaji displaying a large quantity of apples on a traditional two-wheeled cart. Such mobile fruit carts are a common sight in Indian markets and on the streets. – Goa – 1990

The Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market, far better known by its original name, Crawford Market, is one of the most historic and lively markets in Mumbai, India. The young woman, dressed in traditional clothing and wearing a small bindi on her forehead, is carrying a bundle of firewood. – 1990

At Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market, better known as Crawford Market, a woman sells sugar apples (Annona squamosa), also known as cinnamon apples or sitaphal. – Mumbai – 1990

A scene at Crawford Market (now Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai) in Mumbai. The men, known as hamals (porters), balance goods in large woven baskets on their heads. – 1990

A typical four-wheeled handcart with large, spoked metal wheels, of the sort often found at street markets in India. The vendor is wearing a traditional orange sari with a blue and white striped scarf loosely draped over her head and shoulders. She is selling apples from the cart. - Crawford Market – Mumbai – 1990

This market stall offers a fresh selection of fruit and vegetables typical of Indian cuisine. The large baskets in the foreground and top right are bursting with bright green chillies, which provide the necessary heat. The vendor is holding a large bunch of fresh coriander in his hands – an essential herb for almost every curry. Fresh ginger, tomatoes and aubergines are also on display. On the right-hand side, small green mangoes are stacked into a neat pyramid. These are often used for pickles (achar) or salads. – Crawford Market – Mumbai – 1990

A scene at the bustling Crawford Market (also known as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market) in Mumbai, India. A market trader sits amidst a colourful array of fresh vegetables, artfully displayed in baskets and on cloths. – 1990

Portrait of a man wearing a turban and a distinctive moustache. The turban is made up of long strips of fabric wrapped around the head using a specific method. In India, turbans often serve as a distinguishing feature for regions or communities. The red dot on the forehead is a tika (or tilak), a religious and cultural symbol in Hinduism. – Crawford Market – Mumbai – 1990

Portrait of an elderly man wearing a distinctive turban and a grey beard. He is dressed in traditional clothing and looks directly into the camera, creating an intense and characterful expression. – Crawford Market – Mumbai – 1990

The photograph shows an Indian market vendor at a vegetable stall offering a wide selection of fresh produce: fresh ginger, hot green chillies, green leafy vegetables and herbs, often including mint, coriander or watercress. – Crawford Market – Mumbai – 1990

A spice trader in Mumbai, in the state of Maharashtra. The spice market is the largest market in this port city on the Indian coast. During the British colonial era it was known as Crawford Market; today it is called Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market. As well as spices, poultry, fruit, vegetables and much more are on offer here. Apart from ginger (next to his right knee) and fresh green chillies, this trader also sells herbs, lettuce and onions. – 1990

At Indian markets such as this one in Udaipur, various types of green leafy vegetables and herbs are often sold in handy bunches directly on the street or at weekly markets. The produce is typically displayed in traditional, flat wicker baskets, which allow for good ventilation of the delicate greens. - 1990

A subji-walli (vegetable seller) in India. She is sitting in a doorway in Udaipur behind baskets containing various vegetables such as spring onions, aubergines, cauliflower and green courgettes. The woman wears a traditional yellow odhni (headscarf) over a pink blouse. This type of street trading is widespread in India and provides a livelihood for many families. – 1990

A street vendor in Udaipur selling local fruit, vegetables and spices to passers-by. Udaipur is situated in a region steeped in history. In the moonlight, the palaces on the lakeshore evoke memories of tales from “One Thousand and One Nights”. – 1990

The atmosphere in the picture, with the hanging goods and traditional clothing, is typical of Udaipur’s oldest markets. The winding streets of the old town, particularly around Jagdish Temple and the City Palace, still retain this timeless charm to this day. – 1990

Two women shopping at a market stall in Udaipur. The scene is characterised by the vibrant, traditional clothing and the rustic setting of a small street stall. – 1990

The striking red headdress is a type of turban known locally as a pagri or safa. In Rajasthan, the turban is far more than just an item of clothing; it is a symbol of honour, pride and social status. The way a turban is wrapped, as well as its colour and pattern, often reveal the wearer’s origin, caste or profession. The magnificent white moustache is a sign of wisdom, masculinity and life experience in Marwari culture. – 1990

This woman from Desuri in Rajasthan sells small fruits known as ber or Indian jujube. They are eaten fresh, dried or processed into products such as pickles and juices. – 1990

An elderly man in traditional dress from Jodhpur. His attire consists of a long white tunic (kurta) and loose, wrapped trousers (dhoti). On his head he wears a carefully wrapped, light-coloured turban (safa). In his hands he holds ritual or everyday objects, including an ornate metal vessel and lengths of fabric. – 1990

A woman in a blue sari is sitting on a four-wheeled wooden cart, which serves as her mobile stall for selling bananas. She is serving a woman in a pink, patterned sari. In the background, two sacred cows (zebus) are wandering freely along the street. – Jodhpur – 1990

An elderly woman in traditional dress is selling various goods. A brightly patterned cloth (sari or dupatta) covers her head and she has tattoos on her right forearm. In her hands she holds a traditional mechanical beam balance with two pans, used to weigh goods for customers. Behind the woman, several bicycles are leaning against a metal railing. – Jodhpur – 1990

At the market in Jodhpur, local farmers sell their own produce, in this case red chillies and aubergines. – 1990

A young trader sits behind a large pile of fresh green chillies at a market in Jodhpur. These are elongated, light-green chillies with a mild to medium heat, which are frequently used in Indian cuisine for stews or as a side dish (e.g. Mirchi Bajji or Jwala chillies). – 1990

The city of Jodhpur has a long tradition of making these hand-woven brooms (Jharoo). There is even the well-known Arna Jharna open-air museum, which is dedicated to the culture, various designs and ethnological background of Indian brooms. In Rajasthan, these brooms are often hand-bound from dried palm leaves of the wild date palm (Khajur) or special, robust desert grasses. – 1990

A young woman from Jodhpur wearing traditional clothing and jewellery. A delicate, pink veil is loosely draped over her head. She has a bindi on her forehead, a traditional red dot adorned with a small gemstone. She wears a traditional necklace (often referred to as a thushi or timaniya) with small, gold-coloured pendants, as well as a simpler chain underneath. She wears numerous bangles on her forearms. – Sardar Market (or Girdikot) in Jodhpur – 1990

Balancing heavy sacks or bundles on one’s head is a common way of transporting goods in many rural and urban areas of India. The toddler sitting on the woman’s hip looks unhappy. – Sardar Market (or Girdikot) in Jodhpur – 1990

Two elderly men from Jodhpur, wearing traditional turbans, are taking a smoke break. The men are squatting in a typical Indian resting position beside large jute sacks by the roadside. One man wears a voluminous, pure white turban, as is often seen in the daily life of older village communities in regions such as Jodhpur. The other man wears a colourful red turban with a bandhani pattern (a traditional Indian tie-dye technique). – Sardar Market (or Girdikot) in Jodhpur – 1990

This three-wheeled vehicle is a Tempo Hanseat, an iconic mode of transport that has been a familiar sight on Indian roads for decades. The vehicle was originally developed in the 1940s and 1950s by the German company Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werke in Hamburg-Harburg. In 1958, the Indian company Firodia Ltd (later known as Bajaj Tempo and now Force Motors) entered into a partnership with Tempo-Werke. Production of the Hanseat continued under licence in India until the year 2000. Although it was designed as a light goods vehicle, owners frequently converted it. Fitted with bench seats and a canopy, it served as a shared taxi for large numbers of passengers in many regions of India – particularly in rural areas. The vehicle featured a distinctive front-wheel drive layout, with the engine positioned directly above the single front wheel. Legendary features included the extremely loud, rattling engine noise, starting the engine via a pull-cord under the bonnet, and the angled rear wheels, which only straightened up under heavy loads. – Jodhpur – 1990

At Jodhpur’s spice market, a colourful array of spices, grains, seeds and powders is displayed in square and round containers. Yellow, red and white powders (such as turmeric, chilli powder or rice flour) form the basis for curries, stews and pasta dishes. Pulses, lentils and mustard seeds are used for nutritious side dishes, soups or for toasting in hot oil. Spice blends lend a deep flavour to meat, fish and vegetable dishes. – 1990

The backdrop to this shop in Jodhpur is dominated by packaged goods from the Indian food industry, though spices and staple foods are still sold in bulk. – 1990

In Hinduism, cows are considered sacred and untouchable, which is why they are often found right in the midst of public life, as here at a bustling street market in Jodhpur. The veneration of the cow is deeply rooted in Indian culture and continues to play a role in political and religious debates to this day. The market stall sells various items of clothing and toys, a typical sight at urban Indian street markets. – 1990

A traditional open-air market stall selling a variety of handmade household goods and tools made of metal or wood. – Jodhpur – 1990

A street vendor selling traditional earthenware pots at the market in Jodhpur. The woman is wearing a traditional, colourful costume, as well as eye-catching arm and foot jewellery. The large, round, light-coloured vessels are traditional Indian water pots, known as matkas. These unglazed pots use evaporative cooling to keep drinking water cool naturally during the hot summer. In the foreground are stacks of smaller, reddish-brown clay bowls and pots, painted with delicate black and white patterns. These are often used for storing food, dairy products such as yoghurt (dahi), or as cooking vessels. Hand-woven mats or fans (probably made from palm leaves) are also on sale. – 1990

Cattle market in Phalodi, situated in the heart of the Thar Desert between Jaisalmer and Bikaner. Although camel caravans have become very rare, dromedaries remain important as riding and pack animals in the desert. – 1990

Even in the desert, spice traders seek buyers for their wares; here, at the livestock market in Phalodi, they are selling dried chillies. In Indian cuisine, however, chillies are considered as much a vegetable as a spice. – 1990

An elderly woman sits on the ground operating a traditional mechanical beam balance. She is selling a variety of local vegetables, such as green chillies, aubergines and various leafy greens. – Jaisalmer Market – 1990

At a market in Jaisalmer, a young woman wearing a yellow sari is selling various vegetables: potatoes, onions, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, green chillies, spring onions, etc. – 1990

A small shop in Jaisalmer, notable for its wide variety of colourful goods displayed in glass jars. A boy sits relaxed in the shop’s entrance, intently reading a newspaper written in Hindi (Devanagari script). This typical traditional shop, often referred to as a kirana shop or paon shop, makes the most of its limited space. – 1990

A large collection of hand-painted clay water pots, known as matkas in Indian culture. Matkas utilise the principle of evaporative cooling. Through the microscopic pores of the unglazed clay, a minimal amount of water seeps out and evaporates, keeping the remaining water inside pleasantly cool even in intense heat. The pots are decorated with characteristic patterns. These include geometric shapes such as zigzag lines, waves, dots and bands of lines, usually applied in white, black and reddish earth tones. The production of these vessels is a craft dating back thousands of years, passed down from generation to generation. Each pot is shaped on the potter’s wheel and then artistically painted by hand. – Jaisalmer – 1990

Dromedaries and their guides near the city of Jaisalmer. These animals no longer carry spices, but instead transport tourists on excursions in the surrounding area. – 1990

Every Tuesday, there is a camel market in the Upper Egyptian village of Dirwan. Most of these dromedaries come from Sudan and have been brought here in caravans. – 1984

In Qurna, on the left bank of the Nile across from Luxor, a market is held once a week. Like so many other markets of this kind in Egypt and other countries in the Middle East, this market is visited by hundreds of people—sellers and buyers alike—and the atmosphere is perfect for attracting tourists. At these markets, you can find a little bit of everything: fruits, vegetables, and spices, which are an integral part of the locals’ daily diet. – 1984

In the streets of Istanbul, one often comes across street vendors selling the characteristic ring-shaped bread to passers-by. The city’s location on the Bosphorus, where the Sea of Marmara meets the Black Sea and where Europe meets Asia Minor, has shaped its development; as Constantinople and Byzantium, it enjoyed centuries of prosperity. Istanbul’s many architectural monuments bear witness to this history, which is comparable in significance to that of Rome. – 1989

The Egyptian Bazaar in Istanbul was built on the site of the former Venetian Market, opposite the Galata Bridge and behind the Yeni Mosque. The elongated building is topped with low domes. Amidst an atmosphere of oriental scents and mystery, every conceivable item is on offer here, including, of course, a wealth of spices. – 1989

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is situated in the heart of the old town. The first market halls were built in 1461 on the site of an old wooden market square and were used exclusively for the wool and silk trade. Gradually, however, the bazaar opened up to other trades and developed into a proper neighbourhood. This gigantic marketplace has eighteen gates, and nearly four thousand shops are crammed along the grid-like layout of arcades, streets and alleys. In the past, specific sections were reserved for each trade, which is no longer so strictly the case today. Nevertheless, carpet dealers, jewellers, leather goods and clothing sellers, for example, are still concentrated in certain sectors of the bazaar. – 1989

A young girl from the indigenous Kichwa community in the Otavalo region of the Ecuadorian highlands, dressed in traditional attire consisting of a blue poncho, a headdress and multiple layers of gold bead necklaces. – 1977

One of the most famous indigenous markets in the Andes takes place every Saturday in Otavalo (Imbabura Province, Ecuador). The Otavaleños enjoy an excellent reputation as trading partners and merchants; they can be found everywhere on the roads of the Andes, carrying their wares on their backs. Their market has become a major tourist attraction, featuring cockfights in the afternoon and bullfights in June. Alongside their own products, they sell the Salasacas’ cloths and rugs here. - Book: Picture 27 - Ecuador - 1977

A scene from the Sunday market in Riobamba, Chimborazo Province, Ecuador. - Book: Picture 30 - Ecuador - 1977

Sunday market in Cajabamba, west of Riobamba. Two hundred varieties of potato, ranging from small white tubers to huge red sweet potatoes, a dozen varieties of maize, quinoa (‘Peruvian rice’), pulses, as well as animal feed and, occasionally, modern fertilisers and colourings are on offer at these markets. - Book: Picture 31 - Ecuador - 1976

Riobamba is the economic and administrative centre of the Ecuadorian province of Chimborazo. The photograph shows the old, historic coach station (Terminal Terrestre) and an adjacent market square in the 1970s. Riobamba links the coastal region with the Andean highlands. The buses in the background display the nearby destinations of Guamote and Colta, two historically significant indigenous communities in the immediate vicinity. – 1977

A scene from the Sunday market in Riobamba, Chimborazo Province, Ecuador. - Book: Picture 29 - Ecuador - 1977

The Saraguro in the province of Loja, Ecuador. The topos – the pins used by Saraguro women to fasten their ponchos – are unique to this tribe in that they feature a sun-shaped head. In Peru, they are spoon-shaped. - Book: Picture 37 - Ecuador - 1977

Traditional Peruvian carving: The picture shows intricately engraved and fired pumpkins, known as ‘Mates Burilados’. This craft originates from the Peruvian Andes (particularly regions such as Junín) and often depicts scenes from everyday life, historical events or nature. The intricate patterns are carved into the dried pumpkin shell using a burin and are sometimes highlighted with smoke or paint. – Huancayo – Peru – 1969

A scene from the famous Feria Dominical de Huancayo (Huancayo Sunday Market) in Peru, one of the historically most significant and largest markets in the South American Andes. This weekly market attracts traders and craftspeople from across the Mantaro Valley. The artworks visible in the foreground are dried calabash gourds. Artisans from the nearby villages of Cochas Chico and Cochas Grande use fine chisels (buriles) to carve extremely detailed stories, village chronicles and festive scenes into the shells. The characteristic brown and black contrasts are created using firing techniques. Hand-woven blankets and traditional textiles hang in the background. The women’s clothing – in particular the distinctive white hats with black ribbons and the embroidered waistcoats – is typical of the indigenous people of the Mantaro Valley. – 1969

At the market in Cusco. An open-air stall set up in front of a light-green building with signs for Pepsi and Fanta. Numerous stacked metal pots, cauldrons, buckets and aluminium bowls, as well as bagged goods and household items, are on sale. – Peru – 1976

A street food vendor in Cusco who prepares traditional anticuchos on a small metal grill; this is a traditional, very popular dish in Peru and Bolivia. The skewers consist of thinly sliced beef heart (anticuchos de corazón). The meat is very lean, has a firm texture and tastes juicy and spicy once grilled. It is marinated for hours in a mixture of ají panca (a Peruvian red chilli variety), garlic, vinegar, cumin and herbs. A typical side dish is usually a boiled potato or thick slices of Andean maize (choclo). – Book: Image 186 – Peru – 1969

The Urcos market is renowned for being a very authentic, local market where indigenous women traders and craftspeople from the surrounding mountain communities sell their wares – ranging from fresh produce to traditional pottery and textiles – directly on the ground or from simple stalls. The typical round hill hats (monteras) and hand-woven garments are characteristic of the indigenous people of this Andean region. – Cusco – Peru – 1976

Unlike the better-known markets in and around Cusco, the Sunday market in Urcos (Quispicanchi Province, Cusco Region) remains almost untouched by mass tourism. Locals from the surrounding villages arrive dressed in their finest traditional costumes to sell fresh produce and share a large glass of freshly fermented ‘chicha de jora’. This is a traditional, alcoholic maize beer from the Andes, with a history stretching back thousands of years in what is now Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. It is regarded as the ‘sacred drink of the Incas’ and was traditionally drunk during religious ceremonies in honour of the sun deities and the Earth Mother, Pachamama. – Peru – 1976

Checacupe is a traditional village in the district of Checacupe (Canchis Province, Cusco Region) in southern Peru. The region is renowned for its historical significance, the preservation of indigenous traditions and Andean craftsmanship. The large earthenware jugs are known as urpus (also called raquis), which are typically used for the fermentation and transport of chicha (traditional maize beer) or water. The jugs are wrapped in thick, hand-woven ropes (Qeswa or Ichu grass ropes) to secure them for transport on the back or on pack animals. The clothing and distinctive hats are typical of the Quechua people of Canchis Province in the Cusco Region. – 1969

Sunday market in Chinchero, Cusco Department. Just as in Inca times, one can still recognise tribal or local affiliations today by the hats or the patterns on the ponchos. For example, the Cuzqueños wear a sort of doctoral cap; the hat from Pisac is gently curved, and those wearing the stiff white hats with coloured ribbons all come from the same area. - Book: Picture 112 - Peru - 1969

Sunday market in Chinchero, Cusco Department. The equivalent of a European sausage stall – an open-air kitchen. - Book: Picture 115 - Peru - 1976

Sunday market in Chinchero, Cusco Department. Chicha seller – maize beer was probably known soon after maize was first cultivated. - Book: Picture 113 - Peru - 1976

Fruit sellers at Cusco railway station. - Book: Picture 114 - Peru - 1973

Photo Gallery