The physical description of the aridity of the geography in which the novel unfolds consistently emphasizes the effects of torrid heat upon its inhabitants. Responsibility for daily collection of water for the needs of the family is traditionally that of the women, and congregation near the public water fountains serves a social function, in addition to being a necessity for survival. When the fountains are turned off by the authorities in retaliation for the railway strike, great hardship ensues. Water becomes an even more precious commodityand is sold at inflated prices. Children are assigned to monitor the fountains in the hope that the authorities will turn them on for a brief period during the day.

In addition to providing hydration, water is mandatory for religious purposes of cleansing. The women are unable to bathe the dead, prior to their burials. Finally, the puzzling question presented to Ad’jibid’ji by Niakoro, “What is it that washes the water?” is properly answered by the fact that it is the spirit, which is even purer than the water itself.

This phrase is both the title of the book and a reference to individual human beings. The term is used to describe Houdia M’Baye’s nine children, rendered fatherless when their father is killed in strike-related fighting.