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.

Local market in Jinka, Southern Ethiopia.