In another Smithsonian article about archaeology in Peru, I encountered the word "cornet"
clearly meaning a container, perhaps similar to a bushel basket. My dictionary gives no such
definition. But on Internet I found:

"The Cornet: A cornet is a small piping bag made from
parchment paper. It is usually used to make fine decorations. "

CORNET
The term is restricted to the Department of Western Asiatic Antiquities and does not refer to a musical instrument.(Unfortunately the site did not give any more information.)

Faendrig = Ensign, cornet, warrant officer

"If the irrigation system were fixed, this place could be a Garden of Eden in the heart
of the medina"

medina
n.
native term in N Africa, orig. lit., city < Arabic medinat, city the old native quarter of a N African city

Forgive me for my adolescence here, but I remember this silly song from the 80's called "Funky Cold Medina" which I think was referring to a liquid concoction that was comparable to Spanish Fly.

Dear Chemeng1992: I searched and found:Classics Volume 11 }
"Feels just like 'Funky Cold Medina'."
Best song: Strawberry Letter #23.

Now I have to go see what is in the download.

http://www.angelfire.com/me2/zelsparkbench/song1156.html

Thanks, tsuwm. I lacked a bit of software to read the download.
Dear Chemeng1992: Spanish fly has an unwholesome reputation, and no "star"
should need to use it. Cantharides is a no-no.