The lip plate is made out of wood or clay and is also known as a lip disc or a lip plug. The term “labret” is associated with any kind of lip piercing ornament, including lip plates. Archeologists have discovered evidence of women adorned with labrets in Sudan and Ethiopia (≈8700 bc) and in various countries in South America (≈1500 bc), including coastal Ecuador (≈500 bc). Suri, Southern Ethiopia, 2017.

Two Karo men holding weapons which they use for protection from other tribes. The Nyangatom tribe is considered a constant threat by the Karo. Omo Valley, Ethiopia, 2017