This is Koto, a married Hamer woman. Women know many ways to do their hair. The most famous hair style is when their hair is in short tufts rolled in ochre and fat or in long twisted strands. These copper coloured strands are called "goscha", it's a sign of health and welfare. They also wear bead necklaces, iron bracelets around their arms, and decorate their breast with lots of cowrie shells, like a natural bra. Around married women's necks, you can see "esente": torques made of iron wrapped in leather. These are engagement presents; they are worn for life and indicate their husband's wealth. One of the necklaces called the "bignere", also an iron and leather ring, with a phallic-shape end can only be worn by a man's first wife. Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.
young woman from the Arbore tribe. Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.