The Family of Launderers

The Family of Launderers brings to life a centuries’ old laundry service in Cochin, India. Washer men and women (Dhobis –an India caste) hand down their custom from one generation to the next. The washers, ironers, hangers and delivery people assume multiple roles and often work collaboratively. In one instance, a woman uses burned coconut shells to fuel her iron in order to save money for the cost of the electricity. She is the ‘Coconut Shell Iron Lady.’