Ethiopia
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These are Gubi and Balo, two girls from the Karo tribe.The Karo, are a small tribe with an estimated population between 1,000 and 3,000. They are closely related to the Kwegu tribe. They live along the east banks of the Omo River in southern Ethiopia.The main subsistence crops of the Karo are sorghum, maize and beans, supplemented by bee-keeping and more recently fishing. Mainly river bank cultivation is the most important source of grain production, they also plant fields using rain and flood retreat water.
Omo valley, south Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaKaroomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
At a young age, to beautify themselves for marriage, most Surma women have their bottom teeth removed and their bottom lips pierced, then stretched, so as to allow insertion of a clay lip plate. Some women have stretched their lips so as to allow plates up to sixteen inches in diameter. Increasing with exposure to other cultures, however, a growing number of girls now refrain from this practice. Their children are sometimes painted with white clay paint, which may be dotted on the face or body.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricasurmasuriomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
Young woman from the Arbore tribe.
Omo valley, south Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaArborePhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
This is Muca, a warrior from the Karo tribe. Automatic weapons (AK-47's) are a common sight around the Omo Valley. Tribal men use this weapon to protect their cattle from other attacking tribes. The complete scarification of a man's chest indicates that he has killed an enemy or a dangerous animal. The scars are cut with a knife or razor blade and ash is rubbed in to produce a raised effect.
The wearing of a grey and ochre clay hair bun also indicates the killing of an enemy or a dangerous animal. Both forms of decoration carry the same symbolic meaning for the Karo as they do for the Hamar.
Omo valley, south Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaKaroAK47omo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
Suri women decorating there faces with white paint,
Southern Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricasurmasuriomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
This is Sero, a young girl from the Karo tribe. Karos practice ritualized infanticide or Mingi (killing by putting dirt in their newborn children's mouths and leaving them to die). The Karo tribe kills infants born out of wedlock as that is seen as dire abomination and an unpardonable shame to ones family. Infants conceived out of wedlock are abandoned in an isolated places. The child may either die out of dehydration or get killed by a beast if not found by non-tribesmen. Children in the village of Kolcho who start shedding the upper teeth before the lower once are thrown in the river and left to drown as this is seen as a sign of bad luck for the entire village.
Omo valley, south Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaKaroPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
This hamar woman is a second wife, this is symbolised by her two metal necklaces. The Hamar women who are not first wives have a really hard life, being more of a slave than a wife. Hamer women cover there body and hair with clay, butter and animal fat, and the more scars one has on her back, the higher her status.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricahamarPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
View of lake Chamo and the surrounding countryside.
Southern Ethiopia, 2013Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricalake ChamoPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
A young Murci girl holding a goat. She is wearing big traditional earrings but the lip plate has not been an option for her. Although many women still wear the lip plate more and more young girls are opting out.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricamurciomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
This is Galtier, a young Hamar woman. Galtier is the first and for now at least the only wife as symbolised by her necklace. First wives have a privileged position since the others that come later get to do most of the heavy work including giving birth.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaHamarPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
This is Gino, a boy from the Arbore tribe.
Body painting is done by the Arbore using natural colours made from soil and stone. Traditional dancing is practised by the tribe and wealth is measured by the number of cattle a tribesman owns.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaArborePhotito 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
Pool House in the town of Jinka, Southern Ethiopia.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaJinkaPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
This is Guri, a young virgin from the Arbore tribe.
In the past, the Arbore used to possess the monopoly of the ivory trade. They exchange cattle for agricultural products from the Amare Kokke and acquire worked iron from the Kerre and Borana. The Arbore build their huts slightly oval in shape. The Arbore have a bodily mutilation of raised dots on the chest and abdomen. The Arbore believe in a Supreme Being creator and father of men whom they call Waq.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaArborePhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
Local girl at the market in Jinka.
Southern Ethiopia,Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmo ValleytribesafricaJinkaPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribal people
A group of young Suri men with body decoration.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricasurmasuriomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
Termite mounds around the Karo area.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaKaroant mountPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
This is Surba, a young woman from the Arbore tribe. Surba like all young women from her village needs to walk a few kilometers each day to fetch water from a nearby pond. Surba is a virgin as symbolised by her shaved head. Her long colorful necklaces are a very important status Symbol amongst women of all the tribes of the Omo Valley. Each tribe has there own distinct color, length and materials used.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaArborePhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
Two young Suri men by the river.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricasurmasuriomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
A young Bena woman in a market in Key Afer.
Key Afer, Omo Valley, Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricabenaomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
This is Koto, from the Hamer tribe.
There is a division of labour in terms of sex and age. The women and girls grow crops (the staple is sorghum, alongside beans, maize and pumpkins). They’re also responsible for collecting water, doing the cooking and looking after the children - who start helping the family by herding the goats from around the age of eight. The young men of the village work the crops, defend the herds or go off raiding for livestock from other tribes, while adult men herd the cattle, plough with oxen and raise beehives in acacia trees.
Sometimes, for a task like raising a new roof or getting the harvest in, a woman will invite her neighbours to join her in a work party in return for beer or a meal of goat, especially slaughtered to feed them.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaHamerPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
Young Hamar woman standing infront of her home.
Because men tend to be older than their wives, they often die first. Lots of Hamar households are headed by women who have survived their husbands – one study found an amazing 27 out of 39 married women were widows. A widow also has power over her husband’s younger brothers (and their livestock) if their parents are already dead.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaHamarPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
A Suri woman with body decorations.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricasurmasuriomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
View of lake Chamo in the Nechisar National Park.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaNechisar National ParkPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
The Mursi way of life revolves around seasonal patterns and environmental niches. In this lowland area rainfall is unpredictable, so the Omo River is a life-line for them and for their neighbours. Its annual floods provide the only predictable source of moisture for cultivation.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaMursiPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
A young Suri man blending into the surrounding vegetation.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricasurmasuriomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
Many of the tribal villages in the Omo Valley are totally Inaccessible by any type of transport, and can only be reached on foot. Dirt roads on the other hand make visiting many of the villages possible.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
Hamar women can often be seen drinking sorghum beer in bars found in Turmi. Home to many of the Hamar people, Turmi has a weekly market on Mondays. One product available at this market is incised gourds, used by local women as shopping baskets. Turmi is also notable for its traditional dances and the Jumping of the Bulls.
Bar in Turmi, Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaHamarPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
Market day in the town of Jinka.
Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaJinkaPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
A portrait of a Suri woman in Kibish.
kibish, Southern Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricasurmasuriomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
A group of young Suri men with body decoration.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricasurmasuriomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
A Suri woman wearing the traditional lip plate.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricasurmasuriomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
Young man from the Banna tribe with two Hamar women behind. The Banna and Hamar live close together and share many similarities in there customs.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaBannaHamarPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
A young Suri boy wearing a head dress made of leather .
Southern Ethiopia, 2017Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricasurmasuriomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
The Suri live west of the Omo river which creates a border between them and the Mursi. Their neighbours in the south are the Nyangatom, who are also their biggest enemies.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricasurmasuriomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
This is Galtier, a young woman from the Hamer tribe. Galtier has the traditional red hair and skin made from red clay, butter and animal fat.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaHamerPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
This is Kato from the Hamer tribe. Kato lives in a small village near the town of Turmi together with her husband and his other two wives. Kato is the second wife as symbolized by the two metal necklaces she wears.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaHamerTurmiPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
The Suri look beautiful in their decoration but the main reason is to look menacing and command respect. The body painting is also important for tribal celebrations.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricasurmasuriomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
This is Olagidain a man from the mursi tribe. Just like any other ethnic tribe in the lower valley, the men must pass a test before they can get married. A Mursi man is given a stick called a Donga and must face one opponent. The men then battle it out, beating each other with the sticks. During the fight they protect their most vulnerable parts with coarse cotton cloths. The ceremony takes place every year after the harvests (November- January). All the Surmic groups participate in this ritual as another step up the social ladder for their young men. The fight is symbolic; the adversary has to be defeated without being killed. The victorious young man wins special prestige and, above all, attention from the young, single women. If an adversary is killed, there are serious reprisals for the young man and his family.
Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricamursiPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
This is Ganet and Yodit. Ganet is a teacher and Yodit a midwife. They both live together in a room which is part of a small complex the government has set up near the Mursi tribes. The idea is to offer some basic assistance to the tribes in education and healthcare.
Omo Valley, southern Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
A Suri man painting his body in preparation for the Donga or stick fighting.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricasurmasuriomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
Young woman from the Arbore tribe.
Omo valley, south Ethiopia, 2013.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricaArborePhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
Suri men painting their bodies in preparation for the Donga or stick fighting. Its traditional for the men from different villages to paint themselves in different rivers before heading to the fight.
Southern Ethiopia, 2017.Ethiopiaomo valley tribesOmoValleyTribeafricasurmasuriomo riverPhotito travelphotitotraveltravel photographydocumentary photographyspencerphotographyculturewww.photito.comomo valeeypeople of the omo valleytribestribal people
