Home > Africa > Eritrea > Massawa
East Africa - Eritrea - Massawa - Salt Flats at Gherar
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
East Africa - Eritrea - Massawa - Salt Flats at Gherar
East Africa - Eritrea - Massawa - Salt Flats at Gherar Date: circa 1910s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 11581785
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Collecting Eritrea Eritrean Flats Massawa Piles Salt Evaporating Mitsiwa
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken in the 1910s, offers a glimpse into the past of Massawa, Eritrea's ancient port city located on the Red Sea. The image focuses on the Salt Flats at Gherar, a significant historical site for the production of salt, an essential commodity for both local consumption and trade in East Africa. The salt piles, arranged meticulously in the foreground, are the result of a labor-intensive process that involved collecting seawater from the nearby Red Sea and allowing it to evaporate under the harsh African sun. The salt was then harvested and transported to various markets, contributing to the region's economy and sustaining the livelihoods of many local communities. The photograph showcases the traditional salt production methods that have been practiced in this area for centuries. The workers, dressed in simple clothing, can be seen in the background, tending to the piles or collecting the salt with wooden tools. The vast expanse of the salt flats stretches out to the horizon, creating a striking contrast against the arid landscape. Massawa, with its rich history and cultural diversity, has long been a melting pot of influences from various civilizations, including the ancient Axumites, the Ottomans, and the Italians. The salt industry played a crucial role in the city's development, attracting traders and travelers from far and wide. Today, the Salt Flats at Gherar serve as a reminder of Eritrea's rich past and the resilience of its people. The traditional salt production methods may have evolved over the years, but the significance of salt as a vital resource remains unchanged. This photograph is an invaluable historical record of a bygone era, offering us a glimpse into the lives of those who lived and worked in this remarkable region of Africa.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
