Commodatum is a contract where one party delivers something not consumable to another, so the latter may use it for a certain time and return it. It is essentially gratuitous. The bailor (lender) retains ownership of the thing loaned. The bailee (borrower) acquires the use of the thing. The bailee must return the very thing loaned. The object is generally not consumable, although consumable goods may be the subject of commodatum if the purpose is not consumption but exhibition. Temporary use for a certain period is an essential feature.