The Surma (or Suri, as they called themselves) are also known for the tradition to paint their face or parts of their body in white, like ghosts, using a sort of paint by mixing plaster and water.

These cultures use their body as a vehicle of artistic expression, a way to transmit messages. Consider their body the best "canvas" as possible, worthy of being decorated with care with pictorial motifs, or tattoos or even small raised scars.