Southern India Weekly Five

In many of Madurai's middle class homes the showcase is the central decorative element of the room in which they receive guests. Showcases are shelving spaces that are set into the wall and contained by sliding panes of glass. All members of the family use this space to display their collected things for safekeeping. Children will keep and display their toys, small birthday presents, and crafts that they make. Parents will keep and display collectable religious items (not for puja use), educational degree certificates, travel memorabilia, wedding presents, and photographs of family. There are stores that sell objects specifically meant for displaying in showcases. These stores sell small glass globes, porcelain miniature statues of pale skinned girls, images of Hindu gods, Christ on the cross for Christians, toys for children, and small plastic cards with English writings about friendship and birthday wishes. As time passes new things accumulate on the shelves of the showcase and the permanent exhibition changes and expands. Members of the household receive new small gifts, earn certificates of merit, make new crafts, travel to new places, and take more family photos.

I want that foot powder.