A rare 1969 glimpse into daily life and traditional markets across rural Ethiopia.

Ethiopia 1969 Reel 1 of 65 · 17:52 · Video: Penn Museum · Watch at the source

In short: This archival footage captures a 1969 expedition through Ethiopia, documenting everything from mountain farming techniques to the vibrant commerce of the Bati market. It offers a unique, unfiltered look at traditional architecture, craftsmanship, and agricultural practices that defined the region during this era.

The film documents a journey from Addis Ababa to Bati, highlighting diverse landscapes and cultural practices. Viewers see mountain farming at 10,000 feet, where terraces are used to manage soil slippage, and traditional methods for creating clay pots, which are crafted without a wheel. The footage also details the construction of thatched huts and the use of wooden plows pulled by oxen.

Central to the record is the Bati market, a hub on the desert border. The film captures the exchange of goods like butter stored in skins, reed mats, and even rolled-up hides used as currency. It also provides ethnographic details, such as the prevalence of plaited, buttered hair among the population and the use of camel saddles for transport.

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