A 1969 glimpse into daily life and ancient craftsmanship across Ethiopia and Eritrea
In short: This archival footage captures a 1969 expedition through Asmara, Belesa, and Adulis. It documents a blend of ancient archaeological artifacts, such as seventh-century woodcarvings, alongside the traditional agricultural and domestic practices of the era, including manual water irrigation and unique bread-baking techniques.
The footage provides a rare visual record of both historical preservation and rural life in 1969. Researchers documented significant artifacts, including volcanic rock grinding mills and clay oil lamps recovered from the major Axumite seaport of Adulis. These items, alongside Yemeni and South Arabian woodcarvings found in Asmara, highlight the region's deep history of cultural exchange.
Beyond the museum pieces, the film captures the ingenuity of daily survival. It details the construction of stone-walled homes with dirt-covered roofs and the labor-intensive process of creating bread-baking covers from cow dung and horse manure. The footage also illustrates traditional water-raising methods, utilizing pails, poles, and counterweights to manage resources in a landscape defined by its stone architecture and manual tools.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ethiopia 1969 Reel 9 of 65
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