The Mursi (or Murzu) are a Sub-Saharan African nomadic cattle herder tribe located in the Omo valley in southwestern Ethiopia close to the Sudanese border. The estimated population of the Mursi is around 3900. Surrounded by mountains and three rivers, the home of the Mursi is one of the most isolated region of the country. Their neighbors include the Bodi, the Aari, the Banna, the Kara, the Bumi and the Chai. The Mursi have their own language, also called Mursi. Few are familiar with Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, and their literacy level is very low. The religion of the Mursi tribe is classified as Animism, although about 15% are Christians. The Mursi women are famous of wearing plates in their lower lips. The reason of this "ornament" is for avoiding to be catched as slaves. These lip discs are made of clay. Girls are pierced in the age of 15 or 16. They remove the plate when eating. Similar body ornaments are worn by the Suyá people, a Brazilian tribe.

Guest		11-Jun-2007 01:32
Wonderful Site. JT

Evaristo Buendia Carrera		17-Mar-2007 02:15
Very strong people...perfect coloring.V

Guest		17-Jun-2006 14:38
After looking this gallery, my next trip will be there Thank you for sharing this portraits and comments Regards yves

PauloCGama		16-Jun-2006 00:12
outstanding!

Lisa		15-Jun-2006 23:12
Again, an awesome set of images. Thank you for showing me something I've never seen before. You are blessed to have experienced these encounters, and I'm glad I found your galleries!

Sheena Woodhead		14-Jun-2006 21:43
An extraordinary gallery, so educational too. Thank you for sharing this with us. V

Guest		14-Jun-2006 09:09
vote!

Guest		09-Jun-2006 20:31
Great gallery, a journey in front of the computer, the colors are so nice and perfect! excellent work. ciao! philippe voted

Guest		03-Jun-2006 16:21
Wooooooooooooooooooooooow.........a.m.a.z.i.n.g!

Guest		30-May-2006 20:01
Fantastic people to meet

Guest		26-May-2006 18:27
Excellent documentary and ethnographic work congratulations!!!!!!!

marie-jose wolff		24-May-2006 20:23
ces portraits sont magnifiques, très émouvants et expressifs ! merci de nous faire connaître ces peuples.

Guest		24-May-2006 20:23
Fantastic gallery with great descriptions.

Guest		24-May-2006 02:33
I like the text. You show good portraits of , for us, odd people, living their way , not our. But I see some with an expression, others only show their attires. In other words you could get more impact only showing the ones that show any feeling. This is my own opinion , what I felt. Regards

Anna Pagnacco		23-May-2006 19:51
Excellent portraits and documentary!!! ( V ) Anna

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