Menu
The tribes of the Omo River in southwestern Ethiopia hold a profound, untainted wisdom that I believe could offer the world valuable lessons — especially to the West, where we often forget what truly matters. As I journeyed through this remote part of the world, I couldn’t help but wonder: can these tribes continue to share their light with us, without losing the essence of their unique cultures to the forces of globalization? I would love to learn how to live in a hut made of straw and mud living only with fire, wood, mother milk, fruit, nuts, seeds, clean air, sun, moon and soil … and still to have a connecting family, time for art, love and deep relationships. I want to know how I can cook nutritious food with so little. How do I feed and care for a baby without even a little market close to me? How can I wash a baby in a river with leaves, put it to sleep on my chest without a bed, with my heart’s beat as a lullaby? To make a crib from an animal’s skin lay it on the ground and put my trust in another embrace as my baby sleeps with the protection of mother earth. Children grow up climbing in the trees, walking with wooden stilts, they design and make wooden toys with imagination as a template. They dedicate their days to carrying their infant sisters or brothers on their backs, barefoot they walk to a distant, half collapsed school to satisfy their lust for education. Crossing the Omo River on boats made of hollowed out logs, propelled with long wooden poles, we go to find the forgotten tribes. The Omo Valley is home to some of the world’s most ancient tribes, whose way of life has been preserved for centuries. From the Dassenech to the Karo, Hamer, and Mursi tribes, each group carries deep connections to the earth, the spirits, and the cycles of nature. But as I spent more time with them, I felt an undeniable sense of urgency — their way of life is under threat. While northern Ethiopia struggles with famine and conflict, the Omo Valley feels like a sanctuary — a green, vibrant paradise where life remains seemingly untouched by time. The people here lead simple yet meaningful lives, bound to the rhythms of nature and their traditions. It was here, amidst their rituals, dances, and sacred connections to the environment, that I began to understand just how much these tribes could teach us. I have been going to the Omo Valley since 2019, searching for something, but what I found was far more than I could have imagined: an eternal connection to the earth.
Photography & Text: Maro Kouri
Category
March 13, 2019 - Omo River's Valley: In their small flea market, the people of the Dessenech tribe sell mostly their handicrafts, including handmade jewelry, as well as items they use in their bucolic daily life, such as sticks and unique wooden pillows, which they rest on when they are tired. The Dessenech tribe's handicraft market is located along the banks of the Omo River. The Dessenech believe in living without calculations, free from counting ages, numbers, animals, deaths, or even the seasons of rain and drought. They embrace a life that is focused on the present moment, feeling unburdened and alive. In their small flea market, the people of the Dessenech tribe sell mostly their handicrafts, including handmade jewelry, as well as items they use in their bucolic daily life, such as sticks and unique wooden pillows, which they rest on when they are tired. The Dessenech tribe's handicraft market is located along the banks of the Omo River. The Dessenech believe in living without calculations, free from counting ages, numbers, animals, deaths, or even the seasons of rain and drought. They embrace a life that is focused on the present moment, feeling unburdened and alive. March 11, 2019: Turmi, Omo Valley, southern Ethiopia, Africa: in a local Hamer village. The Hamer tribe is known to be one of the friendliest tribes in the Omo Valley. Their women are easily recognized by their hair, hung in ringlets formed with mud and butter (Maro Kouri/POLARIS) Younger mother with her newborn baby and a lollipop! A Delicate Balance... The sun rises in the Mago National Park, where I met the Mursi, known for their elaborate ear and/or lip plates. As there is no electricity here, everyone has already begun their daily tasks. Many women continue the tradition of placing a clay plate in their ears and /or their lower lip. The larger the plate, the more attractive they are considered. Nearby, there are activists from Scandinavian countries trying to explain to them that this is a violent and abusive practice toward themselves and their bodies. Althought, still the women’s traditional body modification remains a symbol of beauty and status. In the elections, the Mursi do not even vote because they are a nomadic population. Outside the huts, which are made of straw and mud, women pound seeds and cook. Around the large tree, young mothers rock their babies to sleep, holding them close, their hearts beating in sync. How do they live only on breast milk, seeds, the fruits of nature, the sun and the moon, the art of family and relationships? I want to know! March 12, 2019: Turmi, Omo Valley, southern Ethiopia, Africa: people from the Karo or Kara tribe in the local village Kolcho perched overlooking the Omo River. The Karo is the smallest tribal population in the region with an estimated populatin between 1.000 and 3.000. They are known to be the most decorative. They paint themselves with colored ochre, whire chalk, yelow mineral rock or charcoal. As Hamer men, they Karo use clay to construct elaborate their unique headdresses. The Karo's practices i their lives are for self-pleasure and pride as also to atract the opposite sex. They use to cultivate crops as sorghum maize and beans. Recently, the tourism bought a lot of changes to the tribes, so, they use to beg, ask for some birr (local currency) when they get photographed, ask for an empty plastic bottle of water or for a T-shirts. Guns are used to protect cattle and to hant. (Maro Kouri/POLARIS) March 14, 2019: Jinka, Omo Valley, southern Ethiopia, Africa: Jinka is a market town located in the hills north of the Tama Plains. Capital of the Debub Omo Zone has an elevation of 1490 meters above sea level an. it is the center for sixteen indigenous ethnic groups and other ethnic groups from the rest of the country. (Maro Kouri/POLARIS) Feb. 28, 2023- Jinka, Omo Valley's river, Ethiopia, Africa : Life in the city center, the big market and the makeshift cafes and restaurants with the local liquer in Jinka city, capital of Ari tribe (Maro Kouri) March 10, 2019: Ethiopia, Africa: Three women pray in Adadi Maryam, a rock-hewn church, south from Addis Ababa, on the way to Omo Valley. In contrast with the native tribes who believe and trust the Anima, other Ethiopians believe in orthodox Christianity. Although Christianity and Islam have reached some areas of southern Ethiopia and have exerted some influence, many of the tribes of the Omo River continue to uphold their animistic beliefs. Maro Kouri Α church made of reeds is so wind-swept that it has completely tilted while the wooden cross has turned down, as if to show the power of the still animistic faith that they have here, on the banks of the Omo River, and specifically in the Dessenech tribe. Although Christianity and Islam have reached some areas of southern Ethiopia and have exerted some influence, many of the tribes of the Omo River continue to uphold their animistic beliefs. They trust the clouds, the sun, the water, the earth and the seeds, and old men and women still have ancient wisdoms to support themselves in agriculture and in daily life. March 14, 2019: Jinka, Omo Valley, southern Ethiopia, Africa: House in Jinka. Jinka is a market town located in the hills north of the Tama Plains. Capital of the Debub Omo Zone has an elevation of 1490 meters above sea level an. it is the center for sixteen indigenous ethnic groups and other ethnic groups from the rest of the country. (Maro Kouri/POLARIS) March 11, 2019: Turmi, Omo Valley, southern Ethiopia, Africa:hairdresser's saloon in Dimeka market. Tuesdays and Saturdays are market days in Dimeka, which is one of the most colorful markets in the area and is the "shopping mall' for many tribes, including Hamer, Benna and Karo (Maro Kouri/POLARIS) March 11, 2019: Turmi, Omo Valley, southern Ethiopia, Africa:hairdresser's saloon in Dimeka market. Tuesdays and Saturdays are market days in Dimeka, which is one of the most colorful markets in the area and is the "shopping mall' for many tribes, including Hamer, Benna and Karo (Maro Kouri/POLARIS) Α young woman rests outside her mud house after a long journey to fill some old plastic car oil cans with water from the communal tap communal tap that serve the village. It’s clear that the tribes of the Omo River need our support. Not in the form of charity, but in a way that empowers them to maintain their cultural identity while navigating the challenges of the modern world. Education that respects their traditional knowledge, access to healthcare, and protection of their land are critical. These tribes have much to offer us — their wisdom may even hold solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues, like climate change.As I left the Omo Valley, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for what I had learned. In a world increasingly dominated by consumerism and technology, these tribes remind us that there is another way to live — a way that is rooted in respect for nature, for the community, and for the sacred rhythms of life. As photography holds a divine quality, I connect with them as they stop time, like a desire to remain in the present, to find oneself. And perhaps, this is the most profound need of all — to simply be, this moment.I have been going to the Omo Valley since 2019, searching for something, but what I found was far more than I could have imagined: an eternal connection to the earth and people who continue to live with dream, dignity, and wisdom, deeply committed to their community. We could all learn a great deal from them — if only we would listen. A kitchen table in the home of a woman from the Ari tribe, decorated with images of Jesus Christ on the walls and children dressed in soldier uniforms. Although Christianity and Islam have reached some areas of southern Ethiopia and have exerted some influence, many of the tribes of the Omo River continue to uphold their animistic beliefs. While tourism in those areas of Omo Valley it brings fleeting benefits, it distorts their way of life. The influence of Western products and education chips away at their autonomy, threatening the very fabric of their culture. Maro Kouri A woman from the Ari tribe kisses and hugs her baby in her house, which is decorated with images of Jesus Christ on the walls and of children wearing soldier uniforms. Although Christianity and Islam have reached some areas of southern Ethiopia and have exerted some influence, many of the tribes of the Omo River continue to uphold their animistic beliefs. While tourism in those areas of Omo Valley it brings fleeting benefits, it distorts their way of life. The influence of Western products and education chips away at their autonomy, threatening the very fabric of their culture. Maro Kouri Young woman from Hamer tribe smiles with gratitude while breastfeeding her baby in her hut. Hamer women have hair hung in ringlets formed with mud and butter. March 15, 2019: Ethiopia, Africa: In Konso tribe's village the children at school are thirsty to learn. The school needs a lot of repair and renovation, clear water, medicines and school staff. It’s clear that the tribes of the Omo River need our support. Not in the form of charity, but in a way that empowers them to maintain their cultural identity while navigating the challenges of the modern world. Education that respects their traditional knowledge, access to healthcare, and protection of their land are critical. These tribes have much to offer us — their wisdom may even hold solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues, like climate change. As I left the Omo Valley, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for what I had learned. In a world increasingly dominated by consumerism and technology, these tribes remind us that there is another way to live — a way that is rooted in respect for nature, for the community, and for the sacred rhythms of life. Boy from Karo tribe dances in the banks of Omo River. The Karo or "Kara", that means fish, is the smallest tribal population in the region with an estimated populatin between 1.000 and 3.000. They are known to be the most decorative. They paint themselves with colored ochre, whire chalk, yelow mineral rock or charcoal. As Hamer men, they Karo use clay to construct elaborate their unique headdresses. The Karo's practices their lives are for self-pleasure and pride as also to attract the opposite sex. They use to cultivate crops as sorghum maize and beans. Recently, the tourism bought a lot of changes to the tribes, so, they use to ask for some birr (local currency) when they get photographed, or ask for an empty plastic bottle of water, for a T-shirt. Guns are used to protect cattle and to hunt. March 11, 2019: Turmi, Omo Valley, southern Ethiopia, Africa: woman from Hamar tribe has scars on her back, due to the "evangadi" traditional night dance where female relatives dance and invite whipping from men who have recently been initiated; this shows their support of the initiate, and their scars give them a say on who they marry.The Hamer tribe is known to be one of the friendliest tribes in the Omo Valley. Their women are easily recognized by their hair, hung in ringlets formed with mud and butter In Mago National Park live the people of the Mursi tribe. A shepherd wears bull horns on his head. In the elections, the Mursi do not even vote because they are a nomadic population. Women of the Dessenech tribe emerge from their huts like Giacometti figures. They don’t measure time, nor do they count their age, their animals, or their money. 'If we did, we’d be limiting ourselves,' they say. The Dessenech people live without fear of scarcity, their connection to the world around them free from the pressures that dominate Western society. Despite the challenges they face, they continue to thrive — always looking out for one another and the environment that sustains them. They have also begun to address modern issues, such as female genital mutilation, with their young people leading awareness campaigns within their community. Woman walking back home from her work. The word “Aithiops” means “Ethiopian” and is made from the two Greek words, «Αΐθω» and «ὤψ», (“aitho”=“I burn”)+(“ops”=“face”). It literally means a burnt face person. It has been used as a general description for all dark-skinned people since the time of Homer. Tourism treats the tribes like living museums, tossing coins, candies, and soap to children. While it brings fleeting benefits, it distorts their way of life. The influence of Western products and education chips away at their autonomy, threatening the very fabric of their culture. It’s clear that the tribes of the Omo River need our support. Not in the form of charity, but in a way that empowers them to maintain their cultural identity while navigating the challenges of the modern world. Education that respects their traditional knowledge, access to healthcare, and protection of their land are critical. These tribes have much to offer us — their wisdom may even hold solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues, like climate change. A woman of the Hammer tribe with her hair wrapped in rings made of mud and butter. She is semi-naked, dressed in traditional Hamar attire, and adorned with brightly colored beaded necklaces. The word “Aithiops” means “Ethiopian” and is made from the two Greek words, «Αΐθω» and «ὤψ», (“aitho”=“I burn”)+(“ops”=“face”). It literally means a burnt face person. It has been used as a general description for all dark-skinned people since the time of Homer. It’s clear that the tribes of the Omo River need our support. Not in the form of charity, but in a way that empowers them to maintain their cultural identity while navigating the challenges of the modern world. Education that respects their traditional knowledge, access to healthcare, and protection of their land are critical. These tribes have much to offer us — their wisdom may even hold solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues, like climate change. As I left the Omo Valley, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for what I had learned. In a world increasingly dominated by consumerism and technology, these tribes remind us that there is another way to live — a way that is rooted in respect for nature, for the community, and for the sacred rhythms of life. As photography holds a divine quality, I connect with them as they stop time, like a desire to remain in the present, to find oneself. And perhaps, this is the most profound need of all — to simply be, this moment. A Dessenech tribe woman emerges like a Giacometti figure from the low huts in the desert, into the dust dancing in the wind. One of the poorest tribes, they live as shepherds, fishermen and by their local handicraft market. Some of the young generations are used to get supported by Australians, Europeans or US citizens in a way that they still live and grow up in their homelands but they have the financial support to study in the nearest cities. Then, some of them prefer to return back home in their tribe's village to help their families and to work as a guide to visitors. A young mother from the Mursi tribe cares for her newborn baby, wrapped in cloth, while a little boy in the river collects water in plastic bottles he found in the garbage. Mursi women are well known for their lower lip and earlobe plates – the larger the lip plate, the higher the bride price they can expect when they marry. A woman of the Hammer tribe with her hair wrapped in rings made of mud and butter. She is semi-naked, dressed in traditional Hamar attire, and adorned with brightly colored beaded necklaces. The word “Aithiops” means “Ethiopian” and is made from the two Greek words, «Αΐθω» and «ὤψ», (“aitho”=“I burn”)+(“ops”=“face”). It literally means a burnt face person. It has been used as a general description for all dark-skinned people since the time of Homer. It’s clear that the tribes of the Omo River need our support. Not in the form of charity, but in a way that empowers them to maintain their cultural identity while navigating the challenges of the modern world. Education that respects their traditional knowledge, access to healthcare, and protection of their land are critical. These tribes have much to offer us — their wisdom may even hold solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues, like climate change. As I left the Omo Valley, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for what I had learned. In a world increasingly dominated by consumerism and technology, these tribes remind us that there is another way to live — a way that is rooted in respect for nature, for the community, and for the sacred rhythms of life. As photography holds a divine quality, I connect with them as they stop time, like a desire to remain in the present, to find oneself. And perhaps, this is the most profound need of all — to simply be, this moment.
Sidi Bou Said, Sousse, Kairouan, Mahdia, El-jem, Matmata, Jerba Previous project
The Kalash: Defying Tradition and Religious Conformity near Taliban-controlled territories Next project