Ethnic Groups of Omo Valley

A visit to Omo valley ethnic groups takes you on authentic Africa cultural enriching experience. Those ethnic groups are kept from the outside world influences, and are among the last intact people left in Ethiopia. The Omo valley contains 16 ethnic indigenous ethnic groups. A visit to the villages, and local markets gives you an access to meet, learn, and share experiences. Among the ethnic groups usually accessible and included on the tour packages are:

Hamers
Hamers have remarkable hairstyles made from ochre, water, and binding resin. They rub the mixture into their hair then twist the strands repeatedly to create coppery-colored locks. This is a sign of wealth and welfare. The most important event in Hamer society is the bull jumping, an initiation rite. Up to 15 bulls are lined up in a row. The initiate with naked body has to leap on the back of the first bull, then from one bull to the next, until he reaches the end of the row. He must repeat in the opposite direction, then third times.

Banna
The Banna share a common cultural background with the Hamar, their southern neighbor, and intermarry with the South Ari and North Hamar.

Karo
The Karo adorn their bodies with different paintings, done for dance, feast, or celebration. Yellow mineral rock, black charcoal and pulverized red iron ore are traditionally used for the body painting. They use bid biros, nails, candy wrappers, and cartridges for body decoration.

Dassench
After crossing the Omo River we encounter the Dasenech people. The main attraction is their Villages on the out skirts of the town.

Mursi

Renowned for their clay lip plates, women have the custom of expanding their lower lips using disks that gradually get larger and larger.