Watch the ancient, wheel-less pottery techniques of the Danakil people in 1969 Ethiopia.
In short: This archival footage captures traditional life in Harar and Jijiga, Ethiopia, during April 1969. It offers a rare, detailed look at Danakil craft, specifically the manual construction of clay vessels without the use of a potter's wheel.
The footage documents the methodical process of creating pottery by hand. The potter begins by placing leaves on the ground to prevent the clay from sticking, then builds the vessel's sidewalls using a coil technique. The process continues by forming the neck, adding a ridge, and finishing the lip with decorative indentations.
Beyond pottery, the reel provides a glimpse into the daily environment of the Danakil people, showcasing their hemispherical tukuls, brush enclosures, and domestic activities like churning milk in skin bags. The film also records local wildlife, including oryx, baboons, and ostriches, observed during the expedition between April 23 and April 28, 1969.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ethiopia 1969 Reel 31 of 65
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-ethiopia-1969-reel-31-of-65.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
