Orrori e miserie della schiavitù in Abissinia – “The Horrors and Misery of Slavery in Abyssinia” – A detailed account of the lives of the inhabitants of Ethiopia, by the traveler Weiel Ludwig. Published by S.A.C.S.E., Milan, 1935 – First Edition. Italian. One of the earliest Western publications providing a chillingly detailed depiction of the unbearable living conditions in Abyssinia. The book is accompanied by photographic plates documenting various figures in traditional attire, captured by the author during his journey.
A Record of the Journey of the English Traveler Ludwig Weiel, Describing the Suffering and Hardships Experienced by the Ethiopian People Living Under Harsh Conditions of Slavery. Weiel, who bore witness to these events, details the inhumane conditions in which the slaves were kept, the forced marches, and the physical and psychological abuses they endured. He documents the grim daily realities of Ethiopia’s slave trade, as well as the economic chaos that plagued every corner of the region: “The overall situation is most distressing. There is no real central authority; each Ras, every leader, commands a small army of marauders at his service, living as parasites at the expense of farmers and shepherds, imposing taxes and levies that at times swallow the entire harvest of a meager year. When supplies run low, raids ensue, where abundant spoils are seized, and thus defenseless populations are attacked and robbed of their livestock… On my journey through Ethiopia, I observed certain facts that send shivers down one’s spine, demonstrating the absolute incapacity of these people to maintain their independence. Their ignorance, their barbarism, sustains a breeding ground of resistance to progress and civilization, posing a constant danger with their armed gangs to neighboring colonies. I could enumerate a series of recent incidents attesting to encroachments and raids beyond the empire’s borders.”
Among other things, he describes the failing judicial system:”Summary proceedings, and even more so, summary justice. Suffice it to say that the leaders are also the judges, bringing to court the full weight of their authority, always ensuring, above all, to protect their own interests. In Ethiopia, there are neither courtrooms nor lawyers. Trials take place outdoors, in public squares and village markets. The judge listens first to the accused, then to the accuser, pretends to consult some ancient sacred texts, and finally delivers a verdict, which is almost always arbitrary…”. He also describes the brutal penal system and the government’s actions aimed at breaking the people’s spirit, the daily struggles they faced, and yet, despite everything, how the people of Abyssinia managed to retain their joy of life.
At that time, Ethiopia was under the rule of the Ethiopian Empire, led by Emperor Haile Selassie. The country maintained an internal system of slavery, which had been an integral part of its social and economic structure for centuries. Most of the slaves were individuals captured in internal wars or kidnapped by slave traders, and at times, debtors who were sold into bondage. They primarily served the upper classes, including nobles, landowners, and clergy, in various roles such as agricultural labor and domestic service. Treatment of slaves varied; some were treated well and even freed, but many suffered severe hardships. Although slavery was officially abolished in 1923 following pressure from the League of Nations, it persisted in practice until the Italian invasion in 1936. The Italians exploited the continued existence of slavery as propaganda to justify their invasion, yet under their rule, Ethiopians faced further oppression and forced labor.
255 pages + [12] photographic plates. Good condition.
