All photos are courtesy of the Research and Documentation Center, Eritrea
Pictures from the Italian Period (1890-1941)
click on the pictures for larger images
Sycamore tree at Mai Wukirti
The construction of Victor Immanuel Park, Asmara.
Assab, Eritrea
Massawa, Eritrea
Keren, Eritrea
Rock painting at Adi Alawti, Qohaito.
Agave harvesting. The fiber of agave is used for housing and the nectar is also used for drinks such as Tequila.
Palm dum harvesting in Aqordat and Keren. Dum is used to make buttons. In my interview with Emilio De Luigi, he mentioned that he had lived in Agordat for many years and dum is mentioned in his poem about Aqordat. Check out my interview with Emilio on this blog.
For the Ancient Egyptians, like myrrh and incense (check out my interview with Dr. Nate Dominy on this blog on the "Land of Punt"), the seed of the palm dum was considered a sacred and was used for rituals. Seeds of the palm dum were found in the tombs of many pharaohs including the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen (popularly known as King Tut).
One of the lessons for Eritrea is to investigate the various scientific researches and data collected by the various Italian universities during their administration (especially in the field of botany, zoology, and etc.) and explore their commercial applicability today.
If my memory serves me right, I was told that, during the British Administration, three Eritrean glass makers (experts) were taken to Kenya to teach there. I heard the story in a different context, however, anyone with any information on this subject would be very much appreciated!
Below is one of my favorite pictures.
