ETHIOPIA - Omo Valley
The Omo River is an important river, entirely contained within the boundaries of Ethiopia, which empties into Lake Turkana on the border with Kenya. The Omo River Valley is currently believed by some to have been a crossroads for thousands of years as various cultures and ethnic groups migrated around the region. Located in Africa's Great Rift Valley, Omo Valley is undoubtedly one of the most unique places on earth because of the wide variety of people that inhabit it.
These tribes are believed to be among the most fascinating : Arbore, Ari (Aari), Banna (Bena), Bodi, Bumi, Daasanech (Geleb), Dorze, Hamer (Hamar), Kara (or Karo), Konso, Kwegu (or Muguji), Mursi, Tsemay, and Turkana ..
Although the people have many customs dating back hundreds of years, it is not uncommon for them to be seen wearing western clothing specially around the cities, but in remote area they are still wearing the clothing and traditional paintings (for how long time ?).
BEST TIME to VISIT OMO VALLEY
BEST TIME to TRAVEL to ETHIOPIA
October to March
Omo Valley - young Woman - it seems today some young Mursi girls prefered to avoid the lip plate
Omo Valley - Baby and Woman with a Lip plate
Omo Valley - Woman with decorative scars
Mursi Tribe - Woman with a Lip plate
Omo Valley - Woman with this special bra to protect her breast from wiping at a wedding ceremony
Hamar Tribe - Man at a wedding ceremony
Wedding ceremony : the women are whipped seriously (at their demand) to prove their strenght
Hamar Tribe : this woman has been whipped at a wedding ceremony - see details for this terrible custom
Omo Valley - Woman smiling
Baby in a village
Hamar valley : typical coiffure of men
Cattle is very important for all tribes in Omo Valley
Hamar wedding ceremony : to be married, the future husband has to jump over few cows. If he failed : no wedding
Hamar Tribe : women at the wedding ceremony
Hamar Tribe : Woman. We can read more : she is the 1st wife of a man which has 3 wives. The big necklace means she is the 1st wife, and the 2 necklaces under means there is also 2 other wives.
Hamat Tribe : this necklace means the young girl is already engaged, but not married.
Arbore Tribe : youngs girls
Arbore Tribe : woman and baby
Omo valley - 2 young girls