Poster depicting sisal in East Africa
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Poster depicting sisal in East Africa
Poster for the Empire Marketing Board, depicting the harvesting of sisal in East Africa
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4434391
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10281600
Carpet Colonialism Conditions Harvesting Manufacture Marketing Sisal
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative poster, created for the Empire Marketing Board in the 1930s, showcases the harsh yet beautiful reality of sisal harvesting in East Africa. The vibrant green sisal leaves, stretching out towards the sun, are contrasted against the rustic backdrop of the African savannah. In the foreground, local workers, dressed in traditional clothing, are seen carefully extracting the long, sharp sisal leaves from the stalks, their faces etched with determination and focus. The poster, with its bold lines and striking colors, was part of a larger campaign to promote trade and industry within the British Empire. The Empire Marketing Board, established in 1926, aimed to increase awareness and appreciation for the products and resources of the Empire's far-flung territories. The poster's historical significance lies in its depiction of the colonial era in Africa, a time marked by the exploitation of natural resources and labor. The working conditions depicted in the poster were often harsh and unforgiving, with long hours, low wages, and limited protection for workers. Despite these challenges, the sisal industry thrived in East Africa, with Kenya and Tanganyika becoming major producers. The fiber was used extensively in the manufacture of carpets, rope, and other industrial products, making it an essential commodity in the global economy. Today, this poster serves as a reminder of the rich history of trade and industry in East Africa, as well as the complex and often complicated legacy of colonialism. It invites us to reflect on the past, while also acknowledging the ongoing importance of sustainable and equitable production practices in the global economy.
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