A rare 1969 glimpse into traditional Ethiopian craftsmanship and daily market life.
In short: This archival footage documents silversmithing, ironwork, and market scenes across Lalibela, Gondar, and Koga. It offers a direct, unvarnished look at regional techniques and social customs captured during a three-day expedition in April 1969.
The reel captures the intricate lost-wax casting process, showing a silversmith working alongside a younger relative to create a silver cross. The footage also details the preparation of clay molds and the use of traditional tools, such as skin bellows for charcoal fires and pan balances for weighing cotton.
Beyond craftsmanship, the film records the architecture and commerce of the era, including the construction of tukuls, the use of shoulder poles for transporting stone, and the vibrant activity of local markets. From the specific use of reed umbrellas and skin shelters to the unique sight of sheep leashed to a man's toe, the footage serves as a visual record of daily life and regional industry in 1969.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ethiopia 1969 Reel 23 of 65
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