A glimpse into 1969 Ethiopian life: silversmithing, markets, and communal water collection
In short: This archival footage from April 1969 captures daily life in Harar and Jijiga, Ethiopia. It documents traditional craftsmanship, including silversmithing techniques, alongside the rhythmic, communal labor of a bucket brigade at a well, offering a rare look at regional infrastructure and trade.
The footage provides a detailed record of local industry and domestic practices. In Harar, the film observes a silversmith at work, demonstrating the process of pouring molten silver into molds and using a rotating log drum to pull silver slugs through a die to create wire. These materials were often used to craft items like silver filigree bracelets.
Beyond the workshop, the film captures the landscape and social organization of the region. It features market scenes in the Harar Kotolcho village, roadside charcoal and wood vendors, and the intricate architecture of weaver bird nests. A notable segment focuses on a bucket brigade at a well, where participants used rhythmic chanting to coordinate the labor-intensive task of hauling water for agricultural or domestic use.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ethiopia 1969 Reel 30 of 65
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