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ETHIOPIA - Omo Valley
Hamar Tribe - Whipped Women
Hamar tribe females are whipped and scarred with a thin wood stick to prove their strength and until the women's backs are left bloody.
Today they wear a bra or a shirt to protect their breast, but they were uncovered in the past. This ritual take place during the male initiation and wedding ceremonies but also in the home when the husband chooses. Instead of fleeing, the women beg the men to do it again and again until blood flows. We heard that the government wanted to ban the ritual but Hamar women don't agree because the intricate scar patterns are considered beautiful.and they want absolutely to show their strength.
Be aware that some pictures are shocking.
BEST TIME to VISIT OMO VALLEY
BEST TIME to TRAVEL to ETHIOPIA
October to March
South Ethiopia - Omo River Valley
the Hamar women are asking to be whipped
South Ethiopia - Omo River Valley
Hamar women are asking strongly to be whipped
South Ethiopia - Omo River Valley
The Hamar man is ready to whip
South Ethiopia - Omo River Valley
Ready to whip
South Ethiopia - Omo River Valley
The hamar is whipping this woman
South Ethiopia - Omo River Valley
3 hamar women with intricate scar patterns
South Ethiopia - Omo River Valley
the hamar women likes these intricate scar patterns.
South Ethiopia - Omo River Valley
the intricate scar patterns are considered beautiful by hamar women.
South Ethiopia - Omo River Valley
Scars after whipping.
South Ethiopia - Omo River Valley
They protected the breast with the shirt, but uncovered their back for the whipping.
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