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. This practice is a significant symbol of beauty and social status within the community. Additionally, both men and women often adorn themselves with elaborate body paint and jewelry for ceremonial purposes.

The Mursi speak the Mursi language, which is part of the Surmic language family. It is closely related to languages spoken by neighboring tribes, such as the Me’en and the Suri, as well as tribes in South Sudan. The Mursi language has two orthographies: one based on the Amharic script and another Latin-based script, which is more suitable for capturing the language’s phonetic nuances. This Latin-based script was developed by scholars to better represent the language’s sounds.

The Mursi follow a mix of animistic beliefs and Christianity. Their animistic practices include worship of spirits and ancestors, which play a significant role in their daily lives and rituals. Their society is organized around clan systems, and traditional customs and communal activities are central to their way of life. Despite modern pressures and influences, the Mursi strive to maintain their unique cultural identity and heritage amidst a changing world.