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.
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.
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.
