Ethiopian Highlands
AA-2026-10B59A
On the image
A young boy stands confidently in a somewhat dusty, rocky field. His yellow sweater with blue stripes suggests an attempt at fashion or, more likely, simply the garment available, which in the 1970s often meant sturdy, slightly out-of-proportion knitwear that could withstand repeated wear and questionable washing techniques.
He wears light-coloured shorts, ending above the knee, and no shoes, a practical choice when the ground consists primarily of rocks and whatever else accumulates on bare earth. People back then understood that feet were designed for walking, not for pristine, climate-controlled environments.
His expression is direct, an unsentimental gaze common amongst those who spend their days engaged in the serious business of childhood in challenging environments. He appears to be waiting for the photographer to finish, or perhaps for his next chore.
The historian's note
This photograph captures a young boy in a rural, mountainous region, likely within the Ethiopian Highlands, during the 1970s. His attire, consisting of a worn sweater and shorts, reflects the practical clothing common in such environments, adapted to varying temperatures and physical activity.
The landscape, characterised by rocky terrain and scattered vegetation, is typical of high-altitude agricultural and grazing lands in East Africa. Barefoot existence was a common reality for many children in developing nations during this period, signifying a lack of resources for footwear but also an adaptation to local conditions.
The 1970s in Ethiopia were a period of significant political and social upheaval, including the collapse of the Solomonic dynasty and the rise of the Derg military junta, often accompanied by economic hardship and periods of severe drought and famine, particularly in rural areas. This image offers a glimpse into the everyday life of a child amidst these broader historical circumstances.
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Barefoot Boy in Rural Ethiopian Highlands, 1970s. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-10B59A. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/barefoot-boy-in-rural-ethiopian-highlands-1970s.
@misc{aaAA202610B59A,
title = {Barefoot Boy in Rural Ethiopian Highlands, 1970s},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-10B59A},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/barefoot-boy-in-rural-ethiopian-highlands-1970s}
}TY - ART TI - Barefoot Boy in Rural Ethiopian Highlands, 1970s PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-10B59A UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/barefoot-boy-in-rural-ethiopian-highlands-1970s ER -
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