Vintage (1960's and early 1970's)
Ethiopian Tourism Posters
13 MONTHS OF SUNSHINE
The iconic poster “13 Months of Sunshine” conceived and designed by H.E. Mr. Hapte-Selassie Tafesse, aka “The Architect of Ethiopian Tourism”.
In 1961 Ethiopia initiated programs to promote tourism. His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile-Selassie assigned the creation of such programs to the young appointee Hapte-Selassie, who in turn created the Ethiopian Tourism Organization. H.E. Mr. Hapte-Selassie served as the first Minister of Tourism in the Ethiopian government and was a humble, passionate, and hands-on leader of the Organization. It was Mr. Hapte-Selassie himself, who coined the famous “13 Months of Sunshine” slogan that until recently was used for the country’s tourism promotion. The 13 months refers to the fact that the Ethiopian year, consisting of 365 days, is broken down into thirteen months: twelve months have 30 days each and the thirteenth month has 5 or 6 days in a leap year. Many of the photographs used for these posters were personally taken by Hapte-Selassie.
Fun Facts: Time is unique in Ethiopia.
- The Ethiopian calendar is based on the Julian calendar and hence it is in the year 2013, around 7 years and 8 months behind the Gregorian, which is presently in 2021. New Year starts on September 11th.
- Another fun fact is the way Ethiopians tell time. The 24 hours in a day entails 12 hours of daytime and 12 hours of nighttime. However, daytime in Ethiopia starts at dawn, at 1 o’clock (daytime) which in the West is referred to as 7 am. Nighttime in Ethiopia starts at dusk, at 1 o’clock (nighttime) which in the West is referred to as 7 pm (19:00).
So, 1 o’clock in the morning, or 1 am is referred to as 7 o’clock nighttime in Ethiopia.
But whatever the time of day or the month of year, your stay in this pleasant golden country will be full of surprise, wonder, and of course, sunshine in all 13 months.
Hapte-Selassie in the early 60’s taking pictures for the 13 Months of Sunshine Tourism Posters.
Poster Titled: Beni Amer Boy (1)
The Beni-Amer are a population inhabiting Northern Ethiopia and Eritrea, also referred to as the Beja people. The people lived in the ageless ways of the desert as keepers of camels and goats. Mud-stiffened ringlets and pearl-white smile belie the toughness of youth whose older generations populated the warlike kingdoms of Nubia in ancient times. In 1987, Mr. Hapte-Selassie returned to the village where he had met this young man with photographer James Blair in late 1964. This smiling boy had passed.
Photo by James P. Blair
Poster Titled: Beni Amer Boy (1)
The Gambella people live in the Gambela National Regional State in southwestern Ethiopia, bordering Sudan. Gambela is an interesting place where various ethnic groups live and engage in diverse ways of living. Agro-ecologically, the region is dominantly lowland. Riverside agriculture is common, particularly maize and sorghum, and widely practiced along the Baro River, Gilo, and Akobo rivers. Fishing and agriculture are essential sources of food. The major groups include the Anyuaks, the Nuer, and the Mezengir.
Photo by Hapte-Selassie
Poster Titled: Carved wooden processional cross from Debra Abuna Mussa Monastery in Wollo Province. (3)
The Ethiopian monastery has historically served as a vital and powerful socio-cultural and economic node within the historic Christian landscape of the Ethiopian highlands. The concept of Christian monasticism (the spaces within the landscape that are specialized areas of Christian learning and living by a dedicated community of monks) reaches Ethiopia around the sixth century and through what is known as the “Nine Saints.” Historical sources on the Abuna (Father) Mussa Monastery are thin, but one can refer to the many that have been documented. This monastery is from the Wollo region (central-northern of Ethiopia some 200 miles north of the capital city.) It was in about AD 240 that Christianity was adopted as the state religion. In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, crosses have been used and the processional cross, the largest of the Ethiopian crosses, is mounted on a long wooden shaft to be held in the hand and is dressed in colorful cloth streamers. When carried in a procession, the cross is extended to observers to be kissed, as a blessing.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/24392941
Photo by Georg Gerster
Poster Titled: Harrar Market (4)
Harrar is a fortified city in eastern Ethiopia. It is known in Arabic as the City of Saints. For centuries, Harar has been a major commercial center, linked by the trade routes with the rest of Ethiopia as well as the entire horn of Africa, the Arabian, and the outside world. Harar Jugol, the old walled city, was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2006 by UNESCO in recognition of its cultural heritage. According to UNESCO, it is “considered ‘the fourth holiest city of Islam” with 82 mosques, three of which date from the 10th century, and with some 102 shrines. Harrar was once home to the French poet, trader Arthur Rimbaud (1875). His home, a must-see after exploring the organized chaos of the open-air market. One will be immersed in a myriad of colors and scents from the outfits worn by the women to the vast array of fresh locale produce. A true feast for eye and pallet.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-40656946
https://zimsen.kiwix.campusafrica.gos.orange.com/wikipedia_en_all_nopic/A/Harar
Photo by Hapte-Selassie
Poster Titled: Moses, Painting above the entrance of the excavated church Guh (5)
According to the bible, Moses was one of the notable characters that played a role in helping the Jews take the first step to stand against the Egyptians. Moses helped the Jews find their way back to God, which led to their salvation and freedom from Egypt and the slavery that he had to endure while they were there. He is one of the many leaders that lead the people to God. Since Ethiopia is Coptic orthodox in its belief in the bible and the Christian faith, Moses would be a figure of importance. Moses represented the start of a season and era for the Jews and led an example for all Christians. On the image, found at the entrance to an excavated church, Moses is dressed in the garments of the Highest Priest. The blue robe testifies for the great Truth and shows the beauty of the Savior.
Exudus14;2-31(KJV)Bible
Photo by Georg Gester
Poster Titled: Turbanned Holy Man with Coptic Cross (6)
This image was featured on the front cover of National Geographic magazine in April 1965 (Ethiopian Adventure). Upon the arrival of the photographer, James Blair, and writer Mr. Hapte-Selassie organized flights to different parts of Ethiopia, the first stop being in Northern Ethiopia where Blair took the photo of the Beni-Amer boy. The Turbaned holy man is from the Amhara region, Ethiopia’s central highlands. Among the many ethnic groups in Ethiopia, the Amhara are the most populous, representing about one-fourth of the population. Their language, Amharic, is the official language of Ethiopia. The Amhara region has the most world heritage sites. It is rich in natural and geographic wonders. The region contains Ethiopia’s largest inland body of water Lake Tana, which is the source of the Blue Nile River. The holy man holds in his hand a Copic cross respectfully wrapped in cloth.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Amhara
Photo by James. Blair
Poster Title: Beautiful (7)
The picture was taken in a local street market booth where artifacts and fashion accessories are sold. When the photographer of this image was asked what the title of the poster referred to, his answer was “Ethiopia the beautiful.”
“Discover.” Hadar Tours. Konso kerebta Lodge, 2020. https://hadartours.com
Photo by Hapte-Selassie
Poster Title: Crested Cranes (8)
Four species of cranes occur in Ethiopia, making the country the most important in Africa for cranes. Black-crowned and Wattled Cranes are resident species, while Common Grus and Demoiselle Cranes are migrants.
The Black-crowned Cranes are mostly found in Gambela and Lake Tana. The Wattled Cranes live in Bale Mountains National Park, Lake Tana, Jimma wetlands, Bonga, and central Rift Valley areas. Wetlands are the main habitats for cranes in Ethiopia, these habitats are being degraded and are under increasing threat from overgrazing, water extraction for irrigation, and habitat loss from farming. Based on a study by The International Crane Foundation, “key wetland sites that should be protected or sustainably managed include those at Gambela, Lake Tana (Chimba and Yiganda, in particular), and the Boyo and Jimma areas. Cheleleka at Debre-Zeit, Sululta plain around Addis Ababa, and Shesher floodplain in Lake Tana are important roosting sites for Common Cranes.”
Black-Crowned Cranes, as those in the image above, have black bodies, white wings with feathers ranging from white to brown to gold heads crowned with spiky and dull gold, red and white cheek patches, small red gular sac, and black legs.
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/scopus/article/view/198312
Photo by Wallace
Poster Titled: Axum (9)
Axum was the name of a city and ancient kingdom which is essentially modern-day Tigray Province. The city-state stretched its rule towards the Nile in the west and the Red Sea to the North. With the city’s ascendance centuries before the birth of Christ. Axum became one of the great powers of antiquity and a major center for international trade. It is known for its massive ruins, dating from between the 1st and the 13th century A.D., and its monuments include monolithic obelisks, giant stelae, royal tombs, and the ruins of ancient four-towered palaces. The single pieces of solid granite steel columns were cut and brought to the city from nearby quarries. The highest rose a hundred and eight feet tall and weighed 750 tonnes. As an early center of Christianity in the world, Axum became one of the holiest of cities of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. By the third century A.D., Axum had established its own currency. The Axumites developed Africa’s only indigenous written script, Ge’ez, from which modern Tigrinya and Amharic descended. Axum was arguably as advanced as the Western European societies of the time. The Queen of Sheba and King Solomon are important figures in Ethiopian heritage. Traditional accounts describe their meeting when Sheba, Queen of Axum, went to Jerusalem, and their son Menelik I became the first Ethiopian emperor of the Solomonic dynasty. From him, most later rulers of Ethiopia, including Emperor Haile-Selassie I are descendants. A Coptic manuscript of the thirteenth-century states: “The Ethiopian possess the Ark of the Covenant, in which are the two tables of stone, inscribed by the finger of God with the commandments which he ordained for the children of Israel.” Moreover, according to church leaders, the Ark of the Covenant has for centuries been closely guarded in Axum at the Church of St. Mary of Zion. Not even the high priest of Axum can enter its resting chamber. Its sole custodian is a monk whose lifelong duty is to be the guardian of the sacred grounds and relic.
Tesfu, Julianna. “Axum (Ca. 100 B.C.E.-Ca. 650 A.D.) , August 10, 2019. https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/axum-ca-100-b-c-e-ca-650-d/.
https://www.khanacademy.org
Photo by Georg Gester
Poster Titled: St. Gabriel’s Day at Kulibe, Harege (10)
As mentioned in the bible, archangel Gabriel was the angel sent by God to tell Mary the virgin that she would give birth to a son. This is how some of us know Gabriel; however, Archangel Gabriel is celebrated for another significant reason in Ethiopia. Many people from different regions come together to rejoice with a feast to celebrate one of many messengers of God. Each year on December 29, people gather in Kulibue for St. Gabriel’s Day. Following this day, people celebrate this Archangel because he leads the other Archangels to earth to stop the bloodshed. According to ancient texts, it is said that” Michael, two others and Gabriel “looked down from heaven and saw much blood being shed upon the earth and all lawlessness being wrought upon the earth.” So, the archangels told God and made plans to take actions against such evil. For this reason, people come together in Kulibue, Ethiopia, at the orthodox church to celebrate and give thanks and praise to God and his loyal messenger.
Fr. Jean-Marie Bilwala-Kabesa, Imc. “Home.” Ethiopia: St. Gabriel Kulubi Millennium Feast in Orthodox Church. Scritto da Fr. Jean-Marie Bilwala-Kabesa, Inc, 2008. https://www.consolata.org/new/index.php/mission/nostridiconoarch/11408-ethiopia-st-gabriel-kulubi-millennium-feast-in-orthodox-church.
Photo by Wubale
Poster Titled: At the Hot Spring at Awash National Park (11)
Due to the volcanic activity ever-present in Ethiopia, hot springs can be found throughout the country. These geo-thermally heated hot springs are believed to be medicinal and holy. At the Awash Hot Springs, one can swim in the turquoise-blue pools, surrounded by lush forests, and wildlife but they are not always as refreshing as they look, temperatures in some pools can reach 100°F and crocodiles lurk in some cooler areas of the river. In this photograph, the beauty around and in this hot spring is boosted by the doum palms, used by the local people to make mats. Just before sunset, the area comes alive with birds, and lions can sometimes be heard at night.
Aga, Mark T. Allaboutethio, 2021. https://allaboutethio.com/thotsprings.html.
https://allaboutethio.com
Photo by Hapte-Selassie
Poster Titled: Girl in Asmara market (12)
This girl in the Asmara market represents many perspectives of Eritrea. As she walks through the market to buy goods, she also wonders about where her country Ethiopia will be many years from now. In this picture, Eritrea was still not free from Ethiopia and still was one with Ethiopia. Asmara is the capital city of Eritrea.
Photo by Hapte-Selassie
Poster Titled: Wubit (13)
For thousands of years Ethiopian women have been regarded as very beautiful, the world’s treasuries.
In the Old Testament, Songs of Solomon are dedicated to Queen Sheba, an Ethiopian woman, celebrated for her beauty and power
A well-known Beauty Paget named Wubit was also a symbol of Ormo pride. Wubit, which means “beauty” in Amharic, is exactly what Wubit was for 5o years; she was remembered as such. Her poster and legacy will keep her memory alive along with her representation of the Orono region. Wubit also worked for the Ethiopian Tourism Commission as a secretary of one of the departments. This late September 2021, the Oromo Tourism Organization honored several people for their contribution to the Oromo region and to the people of that region. Wubi was one of the recipients of this prestigious award. Even though she passed many years ago, she will forever be alive as a memory. Mr. Hapte-Selassie was also honored for his contribution to the development of tourism in the Oromo region.
Congratulations are due to Wosoro Ubit Amensissa.
Photo by Hapte-Selassie
Poster Titled: Coffee Ceremony (14)
Ethiopian coffees (“buna” in Amharic) are internationally celebrated because of their association and significant meaning. It connects people from every corner of the globe. A coffee ceremony is a ritualized form of making and drinking coffee in Ethiopia. The coffee ceremony is one of the most recognizable parts of Ethiopian culture. Coffee is offered when receiving guests, during festivities, or as a daily staple of life.
The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is considered an essential tenet of respect and friendship as visitors are invited to participate in it. The ceremony usually falls on a young woman dressed in a traditional, ankle-length white cotton outfit with colorful woven borders.
The hostess takes a handful of raw green coffee beans and washes them to remove their husks and any other debris. After cleaning the beans, she then roasts the beans in the pan while also shaking them rhythmically such that it makes a popping sound. The beans are ready when they turn black and are gleaming from the essential oils that the roasting process helped to release.
The hostess then takes the roasted coffee beans and crushes them by hand using a “mukecha” bowl and a “zenezena” stick into coarse grounds. Then she transfers the ground coffee to a jebena. The jebena must have been filled with water and put on the fire with the contents brought to boil. The hostess then pours a thin stream of coffee, known as buna, in small cups. Typically, everyone drinks three cups, the second and the third cup not being as potent as the host adds water into the jebena to boil three times. It is customary for the popcorn to accompany the coffee ceremony and to burn incense.
Tyson, Joey. “The Coffee Ritual: Ethiopia’s Jebena Buna Ceremony.” Culture Trip. The Culture Trip, February 24, 2020. https://theculturetrip.com/africa/ethiopia/articles/the-coffee-ritual-ethiopias-jebena-buna-ceremony/.
https://sextantcoffee.com
Photo by Hapte-Selassie
Poster Titled: Colorful Ethiopia (15)
The title refers to the beautiful colors found at the picture’s location, the Ghion hotel. The hotel was popularly known as “the Garden Palace Hotel of East Africa” in its heyday. It can be found in the heart of downtown Addis Ababa, in a spacious verdant compound. Adjacent to what was once the jubilee palace of Emperor Haile Selassie I. Opened in 1951, the Ghion hotel has for years distinguished itself as the hotel in Ethiopia where heads of state and other VIPs stayed. This hotel has luxurious colors and patterns from the bedrooms to the meeting room, and the hotel’s outside. The rooms are decorated with polished mahogany walls and a colorful red and yellow carpet design on the floors. The vibrant clothing showcased in the photo highlights its people and culture.
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Photo by Hapte-Selassie
Poster Titled: Smiling (16)
Ethiopia has come a long way, from its rich history and culture; to the beautiful landscapes and modern-day adaptation of corporations in Ethiopia, as represented in this picture taken by Mr. Hapte-Selassie. This young girl is a past representation of Ethiopia and the present and future of it as well. Her smile is full of hope and grace, her posture full of possibilities and opportunity. To this girl, Ethiopia is her only home, her peace of mind, along with a reminder of her heritage, rich culture, family, and traditions. Mr. Hapte-Selassie was responsible to have brought to Ethiopia its first International Hotel, the Addis Ababa Hilton Hotel, where this picture was taken. He coordinated with Barron Hilton and his staff the construction of this modern-day Ethiopian landmark.
Photo by Hapte-Selassie
Mitsiwa Pearl of the Red Sea (17)
During a time of civil unrest, Eritrea was fighting for independence from Ethiopia. Eritrea was also known for its port in Mitsiwa, a beautiful port city to the red sea. The need for independence from Ethiopia went on for some time. It was not until 1991 that Eritrea was independent of Ethiopia. When this picture was taken, Eritrea had not yet gained independence and was still part of Ethiopia.
Photo by Hapte-Selassie
Poster Titled: Sunset over the Omo river (18)
The Omo river flows in southwestern Ethiopia and it is home to eight tribes that have been around for centuries. Each tribe has a different approach to expressing its culture and tradition. Some paint their bodies in white paint, while others decorate themselves in the jewelry of beautiful colorful beads. Others put a wooden or clay piece in their mouth that allows for stretching of the lower lip.
These ancient tribes over the centuries have worked and cultivated the land. The technique that they used is called flood retreat cultivation and rainfed. They can do this because of the amount of rainfall they receive and the flooding of the Omo River. For years the tribes have suffered from loss of access to and control of their lands. Countries like Malaysia, Italy, Korea, India, and others saw the Omo river as an opportunity for prosperity without considering the indigenous people.
The Lower Omo Valley was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980. It is a spectacularly beautiful area that supports a variety of wildlife. The sunset on the Omo River in the photo is majestic and filled with warmth. The solar disk is about to bathe in the chilled and soulful waters after a blazing hot day. Everything drops dead and stillness sets in the silhouettes of nature. The sky takes on shades of orange, the color that gives you hope that the sun will set only to rise again.
https://www.survivalinternational.org/tribes/omovalley
Photo by E.T.C
Timket: Lalibela (19)
Timket (Epiphany), the Ethiopian orthodox festival associated with the life of Christ, is celebrated on January 19th and represents Christ’s Epiphany, or baptism.
During Timket on the previous afternoon, the Tabot is taken out of the church and paraded to a place near the water to represent the role of the river Jordan in Christ’s baptism. In Timket can be seen all the fervor of Ethiopian ritual, the long vigil, and then the mass procession, in which the joy of the crowds offsets the solemnity of the Tabot-bearing priests.
Timket is the most important religious celebration throughout Ethiopia; however, the largest festival of Timket is found in Lalibela. Located in a mountainous region of Ethiopia, Lalibela is known for its 11 churches cut out of subterranean bedrock dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it has been described as having been “built by angels.” More than any site in Christian Ethiopia, Lalibela’s churches embody the antiquity of the nation. It is one of Ethiopia’s greatest and most iconic heritage.
“Timkat Festival in Ethiopia.” responsiblevacation.com. https://www.responsiblevacation.com/vacations/festivals/travel-guide/timkat-festival-ethiopia.
Photo by Nomachi
