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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 prints1 box1 album; black & white12 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
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