Witness the ancient art of lost wax casting in 1969 Ethiopia
In short: This archival footage captures traditional craftsmanship in Lalibela, Ethiopia, during April 1969. It documents the intricate process of creating silver crosses using the lost wax technique, alongside glimpses of daily life, including weaving and stone milling.
The film provides a detailed look at the lost wax casting method, a sophisticated process where artisans create silver or alloy crosses. The workflow begins with shaping wax models, which are then encased in clay molds. Once heated over a charcoal fire, the wax is removed, leaving a cavity for molten metal. After pouring, the mold is broken to reveal the finished piece, which is then filed, polished, and cleaned in a solution of boiled lime or lemon juice.
Beyond metalwork, the footage records various aspects of Lalibela's material culture in 1969. Observations include the construction of stone and thatch tukuls, the use of horizontal looms for weaving reed blankets, and the operation of stone grinding mills. These scenes offer a rare, primary view of rural Ethiopian craftsmanship and infrastructure as it existed over five decades ago.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ethiopia 1969 Reel 22 of 65
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