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The Mursi
The Mursi, or Mun as they call themselves, are a Surmic ethnic group residing in the Debub Omo Zone of southwestern Ethiopia, close to the South Sudan border. They number around 11,500 people, with the majority living in rural areas. This region, surrounded by mountains between the Omo River and its tributary, the Mago River, is one of Ethiopia’s most remote and isolated areas. The Mursi people are known for their distinctive cultural practices, including their traditional clothing and body modifications. One of the most notable aspects of Mursi culture is the use of lip plates by women, which are inserted into the lower lip to stretch it over time.…
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The Hamar people
The Hamar people, also known as Hamer, are an ethnic group native to southwestern Ethiopia, specifically inhabiting the fertile Omo River valley within the Debub Omo Zone. Their culture is deeply rooted in pastoralism, with cattle playing a central role in their way of life. The Hamar live primarily in the Hamer woreda and are known for their distinct cultural practices and social structures. One of the most renowned aspects of Hamar culture is the bull-jumping ceremony, a significant rite of passage for boys. This ceremony marks a transition from adolescence to manhood. During the event, a young boy must leap over the backs of a row of bulls, an…
