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On the Air Route to the Cape by Fortunino Matania
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On the Air Route to the Cape by Fortunino Matania
Natives in Northern Rhodesia, under the supervision of British officers, are pictured mowing down a field of wild arum lilies to make way for a landing ground or runway. Date: 1920
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Media ID 4425647
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10267631
Aerodrome Arum Cape Clear Colony Fortunino Landing Lilies Matania Mowing Natives Rhodesia Route Runway Strip Supervision Wild Zimbabwe Officers
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On the Air Route to the Cape: A Historical Snapshot of Northern Rhodesia's Aerodrome Development This evocative black-and-white photograph, titled "On the Air Route to the Cape," captures a significant moment in the history of aviation in Africa. Taken in 1920, the image depicts a scene in Northern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) where native workers, under the watchful eyes of British officers, are mowing down a vast field of wild arum lilies to prepare the ground for a landing strip or runway. The image offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of colonial aviation and the challenges of creating infrastructure for air travel in remote and rugged territories. The setting sun casts long shadows over the undulating terrain, adding a sense of drama to the scene. The wild arum lilies, with their vibrant, red-and-white blooms, create a striking contrast against the brown earth and the dark silhouettes of the workers and officers. The field, once cleared, would provide a level and clear surface for aircraft to take off and land safely, marking an essential step in the expansion of the British Empire's air network. This photograph, taken by renowned Italian artist Fortunino Matania, is a poignant reminder of the human effort and ingenuity required to establish air routes in the early 20th century. The image also underscores the complex interplay of colonialism, development, and the natural world, as the wild arum lilies, once considered an obstacle, were transformed into a symbol of the African landscape's resilience and beauty.
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