Ethiopia
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A young woman from the Nyangatom tribe. Even though most women now ware colorful plastic necklaces this lady has a traditional one made from animal bone.
Omo Valley, Ethiopia, 2017nyangatomomovalleytribesafricatravel Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleyPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
This is Bale, a young girl from the Karo tribe. The Karo like to adorn themselves with paint and flowers found in the nearby fields. All karo girls like to pierce a small hole in there lower lip were they can then insert a metal nail or in the case of Bale a flower.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricakaroKaro tribePhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
The Suri people live in an area of Ethiopia close to the Sudanese border. They are known for decoration themselves using natural items found in the nearby countryside.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricasurmasuriPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
This is Surba, a young woman from the Arbore tribe. The Arbore are agro-pastoral people dwelling in south-western Omo Valley. Their population is estimated to be around 7,000. The Arbore territory is a savannah grassland at around 500 meters elevation. The Weito River flows from north to south and runs into the Lake Chew Bahir, on the border between Ethiopia and Kenya. The people live along the lower part of the river.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaArborePhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
Due to the ongoing conflict in South Sudan many Nyangatom people have escaped into Ethiopia. This nyangatom warrior seen here drinking coffee has found refuge in his families village in the Omo valley.
Omo Valley, Ethiopia, 2017Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricanyangatomPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
A young Suri woman with face painting.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricasurmasuriPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
This is Lama Cawlo, a man from the Mursi tribe. The Mursi are the most populous tribe in Ethiopia's Omo Valley. They are well known for their unique lip plates. Mursi are a Nilotic pastoralist ethnic group that inhabit south-western Ethiopia. They principally reside in the Debub Omo Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region, close to the border with South Sudan. According to the 2007 national census, there are 7,500 Mursi.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaMursiPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
A young Suri woman wearing big traditional earrings. It is also traditional for women of this tribe to wear a lip plate although she has opted not to do this.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricasurmasuriPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
The economy of the Suri is based on agriculture. To name a few of the crops planted are cabbage, beans, yams, tobacco and coffee. During the dry season, the Suri also collect honey. The Suri pan gold to make pots in nearby streams which was later used in trade with the Juye and Murle. Trades are also made between the Suri and the Ethiopian highlanders, Amhara and Shangalla. Rifles and weapons are traded with Amhara and Shangalla as are leopard and lion skin, giraffe tails, honey and ivory.
The average male in the Suri tribe owns somewhere between 30 and 40 cows. These cows are not usually killed unless they are needed for ceremonial purposes. Every young male is named after their cattle, which they are ruled to look after. Cows are tremendously important to the Suri, and at times Suri risk death to protect their herd; Suri men are judged by how much cattle they own. In desperate times, Suri men risk their lives to steal cattle from other tribes. Men also are not allowed to marry until they own 60 cows. These cows are given to his wife’s family after the ceremony. To praise their cattle or mourn their deaths, the Suri sing songs for them.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017
Young, single Hamar girl at Sunset.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaHamarPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
Each household in the Suri village is run by a woman. These women also own their own fields and are allowed to use their profits however they wish. Every age group has a certain role. Young men (Tegay) are not yet considered warriors, begin helping with cattle when they reach age eight. Junior elders (Rora) are a hard age-set to be initiated into. It takes 20 to 30 years to get to this new age-set. During this initiation the young men are sometimes starved or even whipped until they bleed. Decisions of the village are made by the men in an assembly. Women are not allowed to voice their opinions during these debates but are allowed to before the debates take place. These debates are led by the tribe’s ritual chief also known as the Komoru.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricasurmasuriPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
A young Suri man painting his body in the traditional way down by the river.
Southern Ethiopia 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricasurmasuriPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
This is Kasahun, a nine year old boy who at his young age already works as a waiter at a local bar in Konso.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaKonsoPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
Heavy necklaces and long skirts from goat skins, which are richly decorated, are characteristic for the Nyangatom women. Necklaces were traditionally made from dry seeds, but these days they have been largely replaced with colourful glass beads coming from Kenya. The women also decorate themselves with ornamental scarification on their faces, chests, and bellies.
Omo valley, Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricanyangatomPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
Suri women painting themselves in the traditional way.
Southern Ethiopa, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricasurmasuriPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
This is Nataere a young women from the Mursi tribe. Women from the Mursi tribe may have their lips cut at the age of 15 or 16. A small clay plate is then inserted into the lip. Through the years, larger plates are inserted into the lip causing it to stretch. The larger the clay plate, the more the woman is worth before she gets married. It is said that the clay plates were originally used to prevent capture by slave traders. Although very unique and part of their tradition, the Mursi women only wear the plates for a short time because they are so heavy and uncomfortable.
It was said that this practice was first carried out to make them look ugly when Arab merchants continually raided their villages in search of slaves. That explanation has been rejected as studies reveal that the plates are a symbol or expression of social status.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleyTribes AfricaMursiPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribesafricatribal people
The Daasanach are a primarily agropastoral people; they grow sorghum, maize, pumpkins and beans when the Omo river and its delta floods. Otherwise the Daasanach rely on their goats and cattle which give them milk, and are slaughtered in the dry season for meat and hides. Sorghum is cooked with water into a porridge eaten with a stew. Corn is usually roasted, and sorghum is fermented into beer. The Daasanach who herd cattle live in dome-shaped houses made from a frame of branches, covered with hides and woven boxes (which are used to carry possessions on donkeys when the Daasanach migrate). The huts have a hearth, with mats covering the floor used for sleeping. The Dies, or lower class, are people who have lost their cattle and their way of living. They live on the shores of Lake Turkana hunting crocodiles and fishing. Although their status is low because of their lack of cattle, the Dies help the herders with crocodile meat and fish in return for meat.
A young Daasanach girl living on the shores of lake Turkana.
Omo Valley, Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleyTribes AfricadassanachPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribesafricatribal people
The Omo River is located in East Africa and flows into the southern part of Ethiopia emptying into Lake Turkana. The Omo river is estimated to be approximately 472 miles long. The river has a very rapid stream due to its significant fall in elevation.
The river flows south and runs between the Omo National Park and Mago National Park. Both of these parks are known for their exotic wildlife that inhabits them; making the river a vital resource for their survival. The Omo River is also a lifeline for the Ancient African tribes that live in the Omo Valley. The river is used for irrigation, food, drinking water, bathing, washing and entertainment. Hominid fossils have been found all along the river banks and the earliest existence of mankind is believed to have started there. Scientist believe that the river was an artery of life and because of the fossils found there, it has been declared a World Heritage Site. Ever year the river floods, providing the soil much needed irrigation for the tribes to grow their food. Many of the natives cultivate crops on the banks of the river.
Omo River, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleytribesafricaOmo RiverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
This is Magantu and her baby Bartui. Mursi society has a high level of infant mortality and raising children is greatly valued. Scarring around the hips, on the stomach and breasts can highlight areas associated with fertility. The scars themselves can also remain sensitive for years following their creation and be a source of heightened sensation for those with scars and anyone who touches them.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaMursiPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
Two Hamer families, including two first wives and two second wives. These two families are having early morning coffee. Coffee is very important for Hamer people and is usually made from the coffee bean shell and not the actual bean.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaHamerPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
A young Bena woman photographed at a food market close to key Afer.
Omo Valley, Ethiopia, 2017Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaBenaPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
This is Namailoi, a young woman from the Nyangatom tribe. Other tribes don't like the Nyangatom (mainly because they fear them) and call them pejoratively the Bume, which translates as ”stinking”. They are indeed fierce warriors which is supposedly demonstrated by their custom to scar their chest; one scar for each killed enemy.
Heavy necklaces and long skirts from goat skins, which are richly decorated, are characteristic for the women. Necklaces were traditionally made from dry seeds, but these days they have been largely replaced with colourful glass beads coming from Kenya. The women also decorate themselves with ornamental scarification on their faces, chests, and bellies.
Omo valley, south Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaNyangatomPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
This is Guri, a young woman from the Arbore tribe. Arbore, unmarried women shave there head as a sign of there virginity, once married they are allowed to grow there hair. As part of the marriage preparations Arbore women need to be Circumcised. Whilst their mothers hold them down they have there Clitoris removed with a sharp knife. They then need to spend a couple of months indoors before resuming there marriage life.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaArborePhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
Wearing make-up to feel more confident and attractive is common practice for Western women. And although they live in a world far removed from urban life, it's the same for women of the Karo tribe in Ethiopia.
Using white chalk and red ochre, the women create intricate circle, spiral and cross-hatched designs in order to look more beautiful and stand out of the crowd.
Omo Valley, Ethiopia, 2017Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricakaroPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
The Omo River is an important river of southern Ethiopia. Its course is entirely contained within the boundaries of Ethiopia, and empties into Lake Turkana on the border with Kenya.The lower valley of the Omo is currently believed by some to have been a crossroads for thousands of years as various cultures and ethnic groups migrated around the region. To this day, the people of the Lower Valley of the Omo, including the Mursi, Suri, Nyangatom, Dizi and Me'en, are studied for their diversity. Jules Borelli was the first European explorer to thoroughly explore the upper and middle reaches of the Omo in the 1880s. Italian explorer Vittorio Bottego reached the Omo river on 29 June 1896 during his second African expedition (1895–97), dying during this expedition on 17 March 1897. Herbert Henry Austin and his men reached the Omo delta on 12 September 1898, and found that an Ethiopian expedition, led by Ras Wolda Giyorgis, had previously planted Ethiopian flags on the northern shore of Lake Turkana on 7 April, as well as having plundered the locals and reduced them to poverty.
The Omo Valley, southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
A young Surma man using plants found in the countryside as decoration.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017surmaEthiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
These are borza and Magi, two friends from the Karo tribe. The most striking thing about Karo people's symbolic and ornamental expressions is the painted body and face decorations.
This is an elaborate process, which ranges from fine and elaborate details to rough, but striking paintings traced with the palms or fingers. The most beautiful expression is in the facial and chest paintings that combine white (chalk), black (charcoal), yellow, ochre, and red earth. They often imitate the spotted plumage of a guinea fowl.
Omo valley, south Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaKaroPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
This is Gumdi, a stick fighting champion from the Bodi tribe..
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaBodistick fightingPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
The Karo tribe use red ochre and white chalk to create intricate designs on their faces and bodies
Both sexes do it as a way to be more visually appealing and attractive, while looking intimidating to rivals.
Omo Valley, Ethiopia, 2017Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaKaroPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
This is Nania and her son koro from the Mursi tribe. There are various rites of passage, educational or disciplinary processes that people undergo. Lip-plates are a well known aspect of the Mursi and Surma, who are probably the last groups in Africa amongst whom it is still the norm for women to wear large pottery or wooden discs or ‘plates’ in their lower lips.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleytribesafricaMurciLip PlatecowbabyPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
During my second trip to the Omo Valley just two weeks ago I was lucky enough to visit the Dasanech people of Omorate. A short crocodile infested river crossing in a cut out canoe, and a walk along a barren landscape brought me to a tiny village. It was over 40 degrees centigrade and the wind was blowing the dusty earth into my eyes. An abandoned wooden structure, once serving as a church, stood alone away from the village, serving as a constant reminder of a hostile environment. The dwellings where perhaps the biggest surprise. Where once stood picturesque thatched huts now huts made of corrugated iron had taken there place. The women seemed desperate in their attempt to beg for money or sell crocodile teeth caught by their husbands.
Whilst talking to the locals I met a young girl who’s beauty seemed to contrast heavily against the unsightly surrounding. Her head gear made of bottle tops drew my attention. As beautiful as she was there was sadness in her eyes. The marks on her face and the blisters on her lips a clear sign of the hard life these people must endure.
Omo Valley, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleyTribes AfricadassanachPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribesafricatribal people
Little girl from the Arbore tribe in a field of flowers.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleytribesafricaArborePhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
![Piercing and lip plates are a strong part of the Suri culture. At the point of puberty most women have their bottom teeth removed in order to get their lower lip pierced. Once the lip is pierced, it is then stretched and a lip plate is then placed in the hole of the piercing. Having a lip plate is a sign of beauty; a common academic thought is that the bigger the plate, the more cattle the woman is worth for her bride price, though this is negated by some.[13]<br />
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It is still unknown why and how lip plates came to be used. One theory says lips plates were used to discourage slave owners from taking the women who had them. In recent years, some young women are refusing to have their lips pierced.<br />
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Southen Ethiopia, 2017](https://photos.smugmug.com/Destinations/Ethiopia/i-PV8LkqB/0/167e81a6/X2/_DSC3317-X2.jpg)
Piercing and lip plates are a strong part of the Suri culture. At the point of puberty most women have their bottom teeth removed in order to get their lower lip pierced. Once the lip is pierced, it is then stretched and a lip plate is then placed in the hole of the piercing. Having a lip plate is a sign of beauty; a common academic thought is that the bigger the plate, the more cattle the woman is worth for her bride price, though this is negated by some.[13]
It is still unknown why and how lip plates came to be used. One theory says lips plates were used to discourage slave owners from taking the women who had them. In recent years, some young women are refusing to have their lips pierced.
Southen Ethiopia, 2017surmaEthiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
Older woman from the Nyangatom tribe. Omo valley, southern Ethiopia, 2013.
Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleytribesafricaNyangatomPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
The Suri pride themselves on their scars and how many they carry. Women perform scarification by slicing their skin with a razor blade after lifting it with a thorn. After the skin is sliced the piece of skin left over is left to eventually scar. On the other hand, the men scar their bodies after they kill someone from an enemy tribe. These rituals, which are extremely painful, are said by some anthropologists are a type of controlled violence; a way of getting the younger tribe members used to seeing blood and feeling pain. It is also a way of adapting these young children to their violent environment.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017surmaEthiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
This is Dara from the Karo tribe. At the end of the harvest and at times of initiation and marriage, the Karo come together to enjoy dances. During the moonlight dances, the Karo men leap joining one another in long lines towards the women, who come forward one by one to select the man who they favour.
Afterwards Karo men and women, having coupled themselves, perform rhythmic and pulsating dances, thrusting their hips one against the other in the dusty atmosphere of early evening. These dances often lead to marriage after the initial contact has been successfully accomplished.
A Karo man may take as many wives as he can afford, but usually he marries only two or three.
Omo valley, south Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleytribesafricaKaroomo RiverriverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
Hamar woman in her village. The double necklaces worn symbolises her status as a third wife. Her hair has been reddened with a mixture of red ochre (clay) and animal fat.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleytribesafricaHamarPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
this is Biuniat from the Bodi tribe. When a member of Bodi tribe dies. The woman of the tribe shout to the spirits and chant of his/her death to bring the soul to peace. The Bodi men perform ceremonial death procession and will keep the body of the deceased safe for 3 days. After this, the tribe will gather together and feast as a sign of respect, and to ensure passing into the next world.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleytribesafricaBodiPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
A Dassanach old lady seen here in front of an abandoned church by the shores of the crocodile infested lake Torkana.
Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleyTribes AfricadassanachPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribesafricatribal people
These are Nachuna and her baby Olabile and Nachare and her baby Olakibo from the Surma tribe. As well as lip plates, the Surma girls mark their bodies permanently by scarification. The skin is lifted with a thorn then sliced with a razor blade, leaving a flap of skin which will eventually scar. The men, meanwhile, scar their bodies to show they've killed someone from an enemy tribe. There are particular meanings assigned to these scars. One group, for instance, cuts a horseshoe shape on their right arm to indicate they've killed a man, and on their left for a woman.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaSurmaPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
This is Gubi, a young girl from from the village of Kolcho, home to the Karo people. Kolcho village is situated on a Plateau overlooking the Stunning Omo River, an important source of water for many tribes and home to many crocodiles.
Omo valley, south Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaKaroOmo RiverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
Market in the town of Jinka, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.
Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaJinkaPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
Young Hamar Girl.
Omo Valley, Southen Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaHamarPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
The Karo tribe is made up of about 1,000 people who survive on agriculture and fishing. Their diet consists of maize, sorghum and beans they grow themselves plus they fish from the river and raise goats and cattle.
Omo valley, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleytribesafricaKaroomo RiverriverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
The Suri have a sky god named Tuma. The Suri also believe in spirits and use medicine men to undertake sacrifices or prayers and directly send them to Tuma. Another belief of the Suri is their rainmaker. This position in the tribe is passed down through heredity and is only given to one male in the tribe. When the tribe feels his services are needed, the men collect chips from a specific tree. These chips are then masticated and the remaining juice is then mixed with clay. This combination is poured and smeared over the man's body. After this process, rain is expected to fall.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaSurmaPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
This is Lago, a married woman from the Arbore tribe.
Arbore men may take wives from Booran, Dassanech, Rendile or even Burji tribes, they will usually not take wives from Konso or Hamar tribes.
Only in the Kuyle region, Arbore men may marry women from the Tsamako tribe. In these cases other Arbore tribe people look down upon these marriages as Tsamako women are not circumcised.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaArborePhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
Woman at a local shop in the town of Jinka.
Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaJinkaPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
