A visual record of daily commerce and craft in 1969 Ethiopia
In short: This archival footage captures the vibrant street life, traditional markets, and artisanal methods of Dire Dawa and Harrar in 1969. It offers a rare, unfiltered look at the regional trade of goods like khat and pottery techniques that defined the era.
The footage documents the bustling markets of Dire Dawa, highlighting the trade of khat—a perennial shrub chewed by local Muslims—alongside vegetable, spice, and wood markets. The scenes capture the logistical heartbeat of the region, featuring loaded camels and the distinct architectural style of flat-roofed mud huts found along the route to Harrar.
Beyond trade, the film provides a technical look at traditional craftsmanship. It showcases a potter using a basin to shape the base of a vessel before building up the sidewalls with clay coils. The visual record also highlights the everyday ingenuity of the people, from the use of stone columns and metalwork to the common practice of carrying items balanced on the head.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ethiopia 1969 Reel 27 of 65
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