22 aug. - 02 sep. 2022 / "The cradle of Humanity", an incredible garden of cultures
In the Dorze Mountains and the Omo Valley you can find the highest concentration of diverse ethnic groups in Ethiopia. The resistance to the Italian colonization and the natural refuge that constitutes its geographic surroundings provided to the groups of the zone an isolation with respect to the western influence. These conditions have given rise to a small oasis with a rich cultural diversity.
Surma ethnic group
This semi-nomadic people live in the jungles of southwestern Ethiopia, on the pristine bank of the mythical Omo River and along the border with South Sudan. The main activity of the Surma is herding and, to a lesser extent, agriculture. They make a special alcoholic beverage, similar to beer, from fermented sorghum. They keep much of their traditional culture alive. The Surma ethnic group has, both men and women, a deep-rooted tradition for body adornment and for the absence of clothing, a characteristic that once had an intimidating trait towards its enemies. We will see the fascinating aesthetics of labial and lobar dilations: those majestic plates up to 40 centimeters in diameter. In addition, we will witness how they adorn their bodies through scarifications, paintings and striking metal bracelets.
Nyangatom ethnic group
The Nyangatom or Bume (elephant eaters) are a Nilotic-speaking ethnic group related to the Turkana of Kenya and the Toposa of South Sudan. We will arrive at a village, talk to local leaders and spend 3 days in this last tribal frontier of Africa.
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