Lake Assale camel caravans and salt works

Le cycle de sel (sels caravanes, lac Assalé, 02-08)

Richesse des hôtes de lac Assalé les Afars - sel. Pour le siècle, sel a été exporté sur les caravanes d'ici à l'ensemble de l'Éthiopie et au-delà. La procédure a peu changé jusqu'à aujourd'hui. Oour expédition, nous avons eu la possibilité de witnes le cycle complet.

- Toutes - Page suivante

Aller à la page: 1 2 Toutes || Liste Galeries

During the night, hundreds, sometimes thousands of camels have arrived and gathered in the valley next to Ahmed Ela, the cosmopolitan Afar village next to the lake. A century-old tradition will repeat itself. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

During the night, hundreds, sometimes thousands of camels have arrived and gathered in the valley ne... [info]
(5591 Hits)

The number of caravans, the number of camels in each caravan, and the names of available salt cutters have all been recorded and matched to each other through a ticket system, supervised by the Shumbahari (the Chief of the Lake). Each caravan is thus assigned a group of 3 salt cutters, which ensures that the size of a single caravan is ideally 10-20 camels.
If there are less camels than workers, or vice versa, some of the workers (or camel caravans) will have to wait another day, but earn priority on the next day. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The number of caravans, the number of camels in each caravan, and the names of available salt cutter... [info]
(7626 Hits)

One by one, in defined order, the caravans leave towards the salt cutting area, about two hours march while it's still cool. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

One by one, in defined order, the caravans leave towards the salt cutting area, about two hours marc... [info]
(5494 Hits)

The march of the camels leads through one of the most hostile places on earth, the salt lake. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The march of the camels leads through one of the most hostile places on earth, the salt lake. (Photo... [info]
(5034 Hits)

Lake Assale - a large expanse of salt which has been deposited by countless invasions from sea water. In places, the salt is 5 kilometers thick. The Afar have been extracting salt here for centuries. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Lake Assale - a large expanse of salt which has been deposited by countless invasions from sea water... [info]
(6963 Hits)

Salt crystals form in hollows where they are protected from wind and the rare rains. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Salt crystals form in hollows where they are protected from wind and the rare rains. (Photo: Tom Pf... [info]
(5751 Hits)

Close-up of salt crystals. The brown color of the lake comes from small dust particles carried in by the often strong catabatic winds. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Close-up of salt crystals. The brown color of the lake comes from small dust particles carried in by... [info]
(5781 Hits)

Focolo ("salt cutters") are providing the hard work, to break up the solid crust of the lake. Only about the upper 10 cm can be used. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Focolo ("salt cutters") are providing the hard work, to break up the solid crust of the lake. Only a... [info]
(5481 Hits)

Focolo at work. Each group of 3 focolo per caravan is paid 10 bir per camel by the Arho (the caravan owner). (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

Focolo at work. Each group of 3 focolo per caravan is paid 10 bir per camel by the Arho (the caravan... [info]
(5161 Hits)

After the work of axes, several focolo join their forces to break up meter-sized fragments of the crust. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

After the work of axes, several focolo join their forces to break up meter-sized fragments of the cr... [info]
(5240 Hits)

The second step in production is shaping the blocks into rectangles that weigh exactly 7 kgs. This highly qualified job is done exclusively by Afar workers, who are called Hadelimera, the salt cutters. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

The second step in production is shaping the blocks into rectangles that weigh exactly 7 kgs. This h... [info]
(6568 Hits)

Cutting the salt blocks requires a good eye and feeling for the material. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(6613 Hits)

In a sea of broken crust, these Afar can be proud of their well-cut blocks. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(5281 Hits)

While the salt cutters and salt shapers are at work, the camel owners and their animals rest. They wait until enough blocks are ready for packing. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

While the salt cutters and salt shapers are at work, the camel owners and their animals rest. They w... [info]
(5141 Hits)

It's getting late morning and hot; the camel owners, the Arho, are impatient to start loading the camels. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

It's getting late morning and hot; the camel owners, the Arho, are impatient to start loading the ca... [info]
(4949 Hits)

It's loading time. After having paid the 1.50 Bir to the cutters for each block, each camel can carry up to 20 blocks. The blocks are carefully tied together. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer)

It's loading time. After having paid the 1.50 Bir to the cutters for each block, each camel can carr... [info]
(5353 Hits)

- Toutes - Page suivante

Aller à la page: 1 2 Toutes || Liste Galeries

Plus sur VolcanoDiscovery

VAAC

Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres
Much current eruption news is provided by the 9 Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAAC) distributed around the globe. The VAACs provide a vital service for aviation safety.

Etna Trekking Tours

Private tours on Etna volcano
Discover Europe's largest active volcano on private, guided 1-day tours. Tours can be customized for different interests and fitness levels.

Kamchatka

Photos from Kamchatka
Kamchatka in Russia's far east is one of world's remotest regions and has an almost unparalleled density of active volcanoes. Look at photos taken during our expeditions from this wonderful corner of the world!

Volcans et séismes

Séismes près des volcans
Les tremblements de terre précèdent souvent les éruptions volcaniques. Découvrez les derniers séismes à proximité des volcans actifs!

Katla Earthquakes

Latest quakes at Katla volcano
One of Iceland's most active and dangerous volcanoes is showing signs of unrest and statistically due for a new eruption. Earthquakes could give a clue.

Why is there advertising on this site?

Volcanoes & Earthquakes