A large decorative basin or water pitcher, traditionally used in Spanish and Islamic cultures.
From Arabic al-jafāyna, likely related to jaffān meaning a tray or vessel. The word passed into Spanish during the medieval Islamic period and referred to metal or ceramic basins used for washing or decoration.
This humble word is a perfect snapshot of cultural exchange—the aljofaina appears in Spanish paintings and household inventories, showing how Arabic household items became so normal in Spain that the Spanish just kept the Arabic name!
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