Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art

Ethiopia Photographic Album, EEPA 1995-019

Summary

Collection ID:
EEPA.1995-019
Dates:
1936-1941
Languages:
Italian
.
Physical Description:
269 Photographic prints
1 box
1 album; black & white
12 x 16 cm.
Repository:
Container:
1
This collection includes one photographic album containing 269 silver gelatin black and white prints (12 x 16 cm.) and dates from 1936-1941. The photographs were taken in northern Ethiopia, and possibly Somalia. The images highlight peoples including the Danakil and Afar, dress, adornments, coiffures, churches, and historical residence, among other subjects.

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
This collection includes one photographic album containing 269 silver gelatin black and white prints (12 x 16 cm.) and dates from 1936-1941. The photographs were taken in northern Ethiopia (Afar region) and possibly Somalia, and may have been produced by Italian military members during the occupation and war with Ethiopia. The images largely depict groups and portraits of African peoples, including the Danakil and Afar, scenic views, soldiers, vernacular architecture, churches, and towns. Many photographs depict animals, including lions, camels, warthogs, wildebeest, porcupines, hyenas, baboons, cheetahs, snakes, and ostriches. Of particular note are photos of an Ethiopian priest with a cross, an Ethiopian horseman with a shield, and clergy in full ceremonial attire.

Arrangement note

Arrangement note
Original album order maintained.

Historical note

Historical note
Unknown photographer. The album was likely compiled by Italian military officers around the beginning of World War II. At the time, Italy had colonies in Libya and Italian East Africa (now Libya). The cover of the album reads: "FONDAZIONE DELL IX IMPERO ANNO XIV MAGGIO", which translates to "Foundation of the Ninth Empire year 14 May"

Administration

Author
Eden Orelove
Processing Information
Finding aid created by Eden Orelove, June 2017. Images digitized in 2012.
Most of the images have copy prints available for viewing in the Archives. There were also (269) copy negatives made in-house of the collection (5x4 in.).
Custodial History note
Purchased, 1995. Conserved through a preservation grant funded by the Smithsonian Institution Women's Committee, 2006.

Digital Content


Using the Collection

Conditions Governing Use
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
Conditions Governing Access note
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Preferred Citation
Ethiopia Photograph Album, EEPA 1995-019, Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution.

Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Africa Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Photographic prints Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Animals -- Africa Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Black-and-white photographs Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Vernacular architecture Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Religious processions -- Ethiopia Topical Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Ethiopia Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Black-and-white negatives Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Afar (African people) Cultural Context Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art
National Museum of African Art
P.O. Box 37012
MRC 708
Washington, DC 20013-7012
elisofonarchives@si.edu