Empowered Print

Inspired by Mayo - A Mursi girl whose photograph was exhibited at the Rio Olympics. Then expression on her face was fierce, determined and gave the impression of someone who had come into her own. The Mursi tribe is one of the most attractive Ethiopian tribes. They are renowned for their beauty, hauteur, and fierceness in battle and for being a matriarchal culture whose males are confined to strict age-set groupings and who sometimes wait decades to become initiated as warriors. They form part of the Surma community and live in the Omo Valley. They are known for their warrior-like and aggressive spirit. Both men and women decorate their bodies with natural pigments extracted from minerals and vegetables, which also helps them as an insect repellent. Scarifications are common, as a sign of elegance, strength, and courage. While village decisions are made by a male council, Mursi households are a matriarchy. Women own their own fields and can use their money as they wish.