This is Olibesin, a young Shepherd from the Mursi tribe. The Mursi cultivate along the Omo from September to February each year and then they return to the inland grassy plains to cultivate during the rainy season from March and August. People cultivate sorghum and corn. Sometimes they grow beans and pumpkins. Cattle provide milk which is often eaten with porridge. Cattle are vital in times of drought, since they can be exchanged in local towns for money to buy grain. Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.
Children in the town of Jinka. Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.
This is Selasoti, a young Arbore virgin. The Arbore People whose primary religion is Islam, are from the Omotic language family and live in Southern Ethiopia, south-west of the Omo Valley. Konso is the lingua franca in this area. They have ancestral and cultural links to the Konso people and perform many ritual dances while singing. The Tsemay people are their neighbouring tribe. Arbore people are pastoralists (livestock farmers). They believe that their singing and dancing eliminates negative energy and with the negative energy gone, the tribe will prosper. Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia, 2013.
