Images of Melesmania: In Mekelle and Beyond
In Addis Ababa, a youngster visiting a kiosk may say, “I need a cigarette.” In Mekelle, another youngster of the same age visiting a photo-shop may say, “Nay Meles photo Habini?” (“Do you mind giving me a photo of Meles?”) Both will find what they seek. Some years ago, passport-size photos of the premier sold for 1.50 Birr in Mekelle. Now, considering the higher rates of inflation, the price is 3 Birr. But the gaze of the man in the photo remains steady, not owning up to the inflation that brought such great social upheaval, including the doubling in price of his own photo.
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