The Mursi people are one of the most popular tribes from the larger Surma group. They are the Nilo-Saharan agro- pastoralists settled around the Omo and Mago Rivers. The Mursi’s are well known for their unique lip plates. Due to the climate, they move twice a year between the winter and summer months. They herd cattle and grow crops along the banks of the Omo River. The Mursi women and Men paint their bodies and face in white chalk like .
A suri tribe is Nilo-Saharan semi nomadic people that live to the Coast of Omo River, in the Southwestern part of Ethiopia. Their number is estimated not to be over 50,000. Like the Mursi, the Suri woman wears lip plates that are made out of clay. And the Suri people are known for their traditional stick fight called Donga. Donga is a ritual the Suri take extreme seriously which is done so young men can find wives. It is a way for young men to prove themselves to the young women. To the Suri the ideal time to stick fight is just after it rains.
One of the most known tribes of Southern Ethiopia. They inhabit the territory east of the Omo River and have villages in Turmi and Dimeka. They are cattle herders and practice agriculture. The Hamer’s are known for their traditional leaping ceremony (the jumping of bulls). The bull jumping is a rite of passage for men coming of age. The man must jump over a line of 10 to 30 bulls four times completely nude without falling. If this task is complete, the man joins the ranks of the Maza. Maza are other men that have successfully completed the bull jumping event. Night dancing called Evangadi is also a good tradition experience for any traveler.
