The Fish Auction on the Island of Djerba

At the fish market in Houmt-Souk, the fisherman delivers his catch to authorized "Chekkeks" who use palm fibers to string the fish into garlands called Chouks. Once the Chouks are ready, they are passed one by one to the public auctioneer, the Dellèle, who sits on a high stool to oversee the crowd. The Dellèle displays the fish while launching bids with the ritual phrase “Baballah Quedeche” — meaning “In the name of God, what price do you offer?”

With a glance or a nod from the bidders, prices rise quickly at first, then slow down toward the end. When no one responds further, the garland is sold to the highest bidder, who pays and leaves.

— Louis Daulon, “Djerbian Fisheries”