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One sheet vintage Ethiopian Airlines travel poster from the 1960s titled "THIS IS ETHIOPIA." Designed to promote tourism and aviation during the Imperial era, the piece blends mid-century graphic design with traditional Ethiopian religious and royal iconography.
Key Visual Elements
• Traditional Ethiopian Crosses. Five distinct, intricately detailed Ethiopian Orthodox processional and hand crosses are arranged across intersecting brush-stroke blocks of yellow, green, and red—the colors of the Ethiopian flag. These ornate, latticework crosses highlight the country's deep Christian heritage and renowned metalwork traditions.
• Typography & Color Palette. The top title, "THIS IS ETHIOPIA," uses a layered, three-dimensional drop-shadow effect in green, yellow, and red, echoing the color blocks below.
• Imperial & Aviation Symbols. Along the bottom border sits the slogan "FLY ETHIOPIAN" flanked by two emblems. On the left is the Lion of Judah carrying a cross-topped staff, the historic symbol of the Ethiopian monarchy under Emperor Haile Selassie. On the right is a stylized silhouette of a swept-wing commercial jetliner, symbolizing modern international air travel.
Poster Details & Collectibility
• Era & Origin. Produced circa the 1960s during the golden age of commercial aviation advertising, when Ethiopian Airlines marketed itself as the premier gateway to East Africa. |
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