Just before the meal is served to family and guests, the washing basin, soap, pitcher and a hand towel are presented to each person so they can wash their hands at their seats. Once a practical solution in places without running water, with more and more homes now with plumbing, it remains a charming polite hospitality service for guests and family elders; some basins are simple plastic like this one, other more expensive versions are made of metal with ornate designs; there are models and prices for every household budget.